The Cowboys are reportedly looking to finalize a trade for Steelers pass catcher George Pickens.
DALLAS — The Dallas Cowboys seem to be having a more active offseason this time around.
Dallas on Wednesday morning finalized a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers for receiver George Pickens, the team announced. ESPN insider Adam Schefter was first with the report before 6 a.m. Wednesday.
The deal will be in exchange for draft pick compensation, a 2026 third-round pick and 2027 fifth-round pick, as Schefter reported. The Cowboys would also receive a 2026 sixth-round pick in addition to Pickens, according to Schefter. Schefter reported that the deal was expected to get finalized at some point Wednesday.
Pickens will be entering the fourth and final year of his rookie contract, a deal that will pay him around $3.6 million this season, according to Spotrac. Schefter reported that Pickens will “want a new deal” and he noted that Pickens’ agent is David Mulugheta, the same agent for Micah Parsons, who is also seeking a new contract from the Cowboys. Jones infamously said earlier this offseason that he didn’t know Mulugheta and that he was working directly with Parsons on a potential new contract.
While Pickens’ three-year tenure in Pittsburgh has certainly had its inconsistencies, he’d immediately slot into the Cowboys’ No. 2 receiving option behind CeeDee Lamb. Pickens caught 59 passes for 900 yards and three touchdowns in 2024 and had 63 catches for 1,140 yards and five touchdowns in 2023. And he produced both of those seasons while the Steelers had less-than-stellar play at quarterback, between Kenny Pickett, Justin Fields and Russell Wilson.
The Steelers drafted Pickens in the second round (52nd overall) in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Georgia.
The Cowboys were thought to be targeting a receiver in the draft, as it’s been one of their top positions of need. But Dallas built from the interior instead, taking offensive guard Tyler Booker and defensive end Donovan Ezeirauku with their top two picks.
The Cowboys ultimately did not select a receiver with any of their nine picks, but they did add another skill position of need, selecting Texas running back Jaydon Blue in the fifth round.