George Pickens trade: New Cowboys WR ‘excited’ to join Dallas, play alongside Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb

George Pickens was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in an offseason move that shocked the NFL world on Wednesday. Pickens will now team up with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb in a Cowboys offense that, if healthy, could help Dallas contend for a playoff spot next season.

Rumors that a divorce between Pickens and the Pittsburgh Steelers had persisted throughout the offseason. Now that Pickens is on his way to the NFC East, more reports on his situation behind the scenes has been revealed.

“From what I’ve gathered this afternoon George Pickens is excited to join Cowboys. The unsettled QB situation in Pitt had him concerned about his future and while he’s immature in some areas (aren’t we all) he’s all about football,” Dallas News’ beat reporter Calvin Watkins reports. “… Dallas’ settled QB situation (that’s Dak Prescott) was an attraction for him. Playing with CeeDee Lamb is something he believes will benefit him. He has tremendous respect for Tomlin. No desire for a contract extension. Willing to prove himself.”

The Cowboys’ move comes amid rumblings that former Cowboys wideout Amari Cooper could be on his way back the Dallas. That is not the case as of this report, but it was clear that the franchise was in need for a true No. 2 receiver behind Lamb. Pickens fits that bill.

Before the move, Jalen Tolbert was projected to serve in that role. Now, Pickens will slide into the lineup as a potential x-factor in first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s offense.

In Pittsburgh in 2024, Pickens appeared in 14 games last season as he missed some time with an injury. During that time, he hauled in 59 receptions for 900 yards and three touchdowns as a key piece of the Steelers’ passing attack. That came after an impressive second year in the NFL in 2023 when he had a career-high 1,140 yards and five touchdowns. His 18.1 yards per reception led the league that season.

Overall, Pickens has accumulated 2,841 receiving yards on 174 receptions across 48 NFL games. All of those were with the Steelers, who he would play three seasons for. Pickens suited up in all but three games for Pittsburgh over that span.

Pittsburgh ultimately received a 2026 third round pick and a 2027 fifth round pick. Dallas is getting Pickens and a 2026 sixth round pick. The Steelers selected Pickens in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft.