Cowboys Reportedly Discussed George Pickens Trade amid Steelers, Packers Rumors

Even though the Dallas Cowboys passed on wide receivers with each of their nine picks in the 2025 NFL draft, they did reportedly kick the tires on a trade for George Pickens.

Per The Athletic's Dianna Russini, the Cowboys were among the teams that discussed a potential trade for the Pittsburgh Steelers wideout.

This comes after Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz reported last week that the Green Bay Packers were in "serious" pursuit of the 24-year-old leading up to the draft.

Russini did note the Pickens trade talk is expected to cool down now that the draft is in the rearview mirror.

On the latest episode of the Scoop City podcast (starts at 24:45 mark), Chase Daniel reported Pickens likes playing for the Steelers in part because he has a "very strong relationship" with head coach Mike Tomlin.

The Cowboys entered this offseason in need of another pass-catching option to take some of the burden off CeeDee Lamb.

Per ESPN's Todd Archer, Dallas was "prepared" to select Tetairoa McMillan in the first round before the Carolina Panthers took him at No. 8 in a bit of a surprising move.

Rather than try to force a receiver they may not have liked as much as McMillan in the first round, the Cowboys opted to use the No. 12 pick on Alabama guard Tyler Booker.

Dallas used its next two picks on defense to add defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku and cornerback Shavon Revel Jr.

Pickens has been a popular name on the trade block since Pittsburgh signed DK Metcalf to a five-year, $150 million extension after acquiring him from the Seattle Seahawks.

Given how much money the Steelers are paying Metcalf, it would seem like Pickens could be made expendable heading into the final season of his rookie contract.

Russini reported prior to day two of the draft that Pittsburgh was receiving calls about Pickens as it looked to replenish some of its draft capital without having a second-round pick as a result of the Metcalf trade.

Since the Steelers opted to keep Pickens on the roster, it wouldn't be a stretch to think they want to go into the season pairing him and Metcalf. They still need to figure out what they're doing at quarterback, but owner Art Rooney II said over the weekend they "may get word soon" from Aaron Rodgers.

Meanwhile, the Cowboys might be in a situation where they have to once again rely on Jalen Tolbert as their No. 2 receiver behind Lamb.

Tolbert did have the best season of his career in 2024 in a full-time role for the first time. He led the team with seven touchdown receptions and ranked second with 610 yards in 17 games.

Lamb and Tolbert were the only Cowboys players with at least 500 receiving yards last season.

Pickens has recorded at least 800 receiving yards in each of his first three NFL seasons. His 16.3 yards per reception since 2022 is the second-best mark in the league among players with at least 100 catches.