Grading the trade: Landing George Pickens changes everything the Dallas Cowboys have done up to this point of the offseason

The Dallas Cowboys finally did it: They acquired wide receiver George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers via trade. 

The Cowboys are sending a third-rounder and a sixth-round pick to Pittsburgh while getting a seventh in return in addition to Pickens. Essentially, it's a third round pick they're giving up along with a Day 3 swap. 

With the news, every single decision the Cowboys have made this offseason and how we view it changes entirely, let's break it down. 

Grading the trade for George Pickens

Here's the bottom line: The Cowboys lining up in Week 1 without a true impact maker beyond CeeDee Lamb was dangerous business. Upgrading at the position was something they needed to do, no matter what. By getting Pickens, they're not only doing that but landing one of the best options in the market. 

The Cowboys offense now isn't all about stopping CeeDee Lamb as defenses will have to zero in on stopping Pickens, a contested catch monster who can threaten the field vertically. 

Additionally, getting Pickens makes the Cowboys' 2025 Draft class much more enjoyable, considering the team landed value at just about every turn but fans didn't appreciate it much due to the overwhelming concern at WR. 

And all they had to give up was a third plus a sixth/seventh rounder swap? Now granted, the deal will make a bit less sense if they don't reach a long term extension with the wide receiver since he's in the final year of his contract. 

Cowboys Nation might not get to say this much about the front office led by the Joneses but they cooked here. And Dak Prescott now has an offense with solid playmakers other than No. 88.

GRADE: A