Steelers Trade Playmaker to the Cowboys

Tomlin reportedly championed the trade to recalibrate Pittsburgh’s receiving corps after adding DK Metcalf earlier this offseason. With the additional third-round selection, Pittsburgh bolsters its draft capital following a campaign that fell short of expectations.

In Dallas, Pickens is set to challenge for the No. 2 receiver spot opposite Lamb, aiming to boost a unit that reached the division round in 2024.

During his lone full season in Athens, Pickens recorded 86 receptions for 1,197 yards and 13 touchdowns as a freshman, earning first-team All-SEC honors. His knack for contested catches and explosive leaping ability made him one of the most sought-after prospects in college football.

Pickens has not expressed his views on the matter yet, but it seems he has not taken it very well, distancing himself from the team by unfollowing them on Instagram. This decision from management could be based on his scuffles on-field.

Todd Archer of ESPN wrote in a report published Wednesday that, "He missed three games in 2024 because of a hamstring strain and had a number of on-field incidents. Pickens was flagged twice for unsportsmanlike conduct in a Week 13 win against the Cincinnati Bengals. A week earlier, he was involved in a scuffle with Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II during a Hail Mary attempt."

"He's just got to grow up, man," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said after the win over the Bengals. "This is an emotional game, man. These divisional games are big. He's got a target on his back because he's George; he understands that. But he's got to grow up. He's got to grow up in a hurry."