Adam Schefter: Pittsburgh Steelers & Dallas Cowboys Finalizing Trade For WR George Pickens

In the offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers acquired WR DK Metcalf and signed him to a large deal.

This left people wondering what will happen with WR George Pickens.

Pickens is in his final year of his deal and searching for a new contract.

He has been immature with the Steelers and has not shown he can be a WR1.

The Steelers have decided on their future with Pickens.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Steelers have a trade agreement in place with the Dallas Cowboys that will send Pickens to Dallas.

ESPN sources: Dallas and Pittsburgh are working to finalize a trade that will send wide receiver George Pickens to the Cowboys in exchange for draft pick compensation. The trade is expected to be finalized today. pic.twitter.com/EJvTb9KHG4

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 7, 2025

Steelers Trading George Pickens To Cowboys

This is a blockbuster trade, but one that was expected after the Steelers acquired Metcalf.

Pickens never materialized as a true number one wideout for the Steelers. Sure, not having a true QB did not help him thrive, but he did not help himself.

Oftentimes, he looked like he quit in the middle of plays. He often would put no effort into blocking.

He would be late to practice often and would cause a stir with the media.

Overall, Pickens was a bigger headache for the Steelers than he helped them win.

Steelers Expected To Receive Third Round Pick

According to Adam Schefter, the Steelers are expected to receive a third-round pick for Pickens.

Sources: The trade between Pittsburgh and Dallas is expected to include a third-round pick and other pick swaps. pic.twitter.com/EZ6vgtxriB

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 7, 2025

This is not a compensation that a true WR1 or even a WR2 would be worth.

Pittsburgh clearly does not view Pickens as a long-term solution and is fine with dealing the wideout for a third-round pick.

The Steelers traded WR Chase Claypool for a high-second-round pick a few years ago but could only muster a third-round pick for Pickens.

The Steelers Are Back In Need Of A WR2

With the trade, the Steelers are back to where they were last season, in need of a WR2.

Despite needing a WR2, this was a smart trade for the Steelers. Pickens is not a long-term solution for Pittsburgh.

They can draft a WR in the 2026 NFL Draft, as well as their future franchise QB.

With the trade, the Steelers are looking ahead to building the future.