Cowboys cut ties with $13M All-Pro to trade for Steelers' George Pickens
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Dallas, TX – May 2025 – The Dallas Cowboys may be eyeing a game-changing addition to their offense. With the wide receiver room still lacking a true WR2 to flank superstar CeeDee Lamb, trade rumors are heating up—and George Pickens of the Pittsburgh Steelers is suddenly at the center of the storm.
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Pickens is “more available than people think.” While Pittsburgh isn’t actively shopping him, multiple teams have reportedly engaged in trade talks regarding the third-year receiver, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal. That includes a potential suitor: the Dallas Cowboys.
“Sources: Multiple teams have brought up (Steelers WR) George Pickens in trade discussions… Pickens is a name to watch this week,” Schultz wrote on X.
Proposed Deal: Pickens for Pick No. 76 and KaVontae Turpin
Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon has floated a potential trade package:
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Cowboys receive: WR George Pickens
Steelers receive: 76th overall pick + WR/Returner KaVontae Turpin
The deal would raise eyebrows. Turpin, an All-Pro in 2024 and a two-time Pro Bowler, recently signed a 3-year, $13.5 million extension. He led the NFL in kickoff return yards last season and had two return touchdowns. While his offensive role has been minimal (six career touchdowns from scrimmage), his special teams value is elite.
Still, the Cowboys might be willing to gamble on upside. Pickens has tallied over 1,900 yards in two seasons despite uneven quarterback play in Pittsburgh. He crossed the 1,000-yard mark in 2023 and came close again in 2024. With DK Metcalf recently inking a $150 million deal in Pittsburgh, the Steelers may hesitate to also commit to a projected $94 million extension for Pickens (per Spotrac).
High-Risk, High-Reward for Dallas
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones recently teased the possibility of “two substantive trades” that could happen soon. A move for Pickens would certainly qualify. With quarterback Dak Prescott entering a pivotal season and Lamb drawing top coverage each week, adding a physical, vertical threat like Pickens could unlock new levels for the offense.
Pickens’ elite catch radius and downfield explosiveness would complement Lamb’s route-running and versatility. For a team that was embarrassed in the playoffs and needs to break through in the NFC, this could be the swing-for-the-fences move Dallas fans have been waiting for.
Final Thoughts
Trading Turpin would sting—especially so soon after an extension—but the Cowboys must prioritize maximizing Prescott’s prime. If the front office believes Pickens can be the missing piece in the playoff puzzle, they may be willing to part with a fan favorite return man to get it done.
