George Pickens Didn't Request Trade Before Cowboys Deal, Says Steelers GM Khan

George Pickens didn't put any pressure on the Pittsburgh Steelers to trade him before being dealt to the Dallas Cowboys on Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters on Friday for the first time since the deal, Steelers general manager Omar Khan explained that Pickens never requested a trade.

"The Cowboys reached out during the week and we had some conversations internally and with George's agent (David Mulugheta)," Khan said. "We discussed where things were with George, where they are and where things could go. We think it makes sense for everyone."

Pickens also confirmed he didn't ask out of Pittsburgh during his introductory press conference with the Cowboys on Thursday.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler said last week on an episode of NFL Live that Pickens did "flirt" with a trade request, but he ultimately wanted to stay with the Steelers because he "loves" head coach Mike Tomlin.

Fowler also explained the Steelers wanted to keep all of their pass-catching options intact "because of the quarterback situation."

The latter scenario changed in a hurry, even though the Steelers still don't have an obvious starting quarterback on their roster. They are reportedly still in contact with Aaron Rodgers, but there's no indication any deal is on the horizon.

As soon as the Steelers acquired DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks and gave him a five-year, $150 million contract extension on March 10, everyone's antennae went up about Pickens' future.

The 24-year-old was eligible for a contract extension this offseason and will be playing the final season of his rookie deal in 2025.

Pickens has been a very hit-and-miss player over his first three seasons in the NFL. He has recorded at least 801 yards every year since 2022, but there have been several on-field instances that have seen him get fined by the NFL and take digs at the team over his usage.

Since the financial commitment to Pickens is only for one more season, the Cowboys are betting they will get the best out of him. The trade cost them a third-round draft pick in 2026 and a fifth-round choice in 2027, and they also got back a 2027 sixth-round selection.