The Dallas Cowboys' plan is for newly acquired wide receiver George Pickens to play out his rookie deal in 2025, a source tells ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. The Cowboys swung a trade for Pickens and a 2026 sixth-round draft pick with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday in exchange for a 2026 third-rounder and a 2027 fifth-rounder. The 24-year-old Pickens gives Dallas a big upgrade at the No. 2 receiver spot behind All-Pro CeeDee Lamb. Although Pickens is going to have plenty of competition for targets from Lamb -- he would have had that in Pittsburgh as well alongside DK Metcalf -- the move to Dallas should be overwhelmingly positive for his fantasy value in 2025. Pickens will now be working with quarterback Dak Prescott in an offense that could be very pass-heavy when considering their mediocre backfield options. The former second-rounder has 2,841 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns in his three NFL seasons.
May 7, 2025 1:02 PM EST
The Dallas Cowboys have officially announced that they acquired wide receiver George Pickens and a 2027 sixth-round pick from the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick. The Pickens trade had been reported earlier in the morning on Wednesday, but the Cowboys' announcement provided details on the return package and officially confirmed the transaction. The trade gives Dallas a very strong No. 2 wide receiver alongside CeeDee Lamb, perhaps reinforcing Dallas' desire to operate a pass-heavy offense in 2025. After all, the Cowboys have one of the NFL's weaker backfields, so being able to move the ball through the air is a priority. Pickens piqued Dallas' interest during the draft, and the Cowboys now make the move to get him less than two weeks later. For Pittsburgh, this trade downgrades an already weak offense. Although Pittsburgh did go out to get DK Metcalf this offseason, they might struggle to get passing production out of a quarterback room that features Will Howard, Mason Rudolph, and Skylar Thompson. The pass-catching depth chart is also weak beyond Metcalf and Pat Freiermuth, and the backfield now features Jaylen Warren after the team lost Najee Harris in free agency. Metcalf remains a high-end WR3 option for fantasy purposes, Freiermuth could be a fine security blanket once again, and Warren figures to have heavy involvement on the ground. Meanwhile, Pickens' quarterback upgrade gives him a major fantasy boost. At the same time, there shouldn't be any panic about CeeDee Lamb; there are plenty of targets to go around, and he remains a strong fantasy WR1.
May 7, 2025 10:11 AM EST
The Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to trade wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys for draft pick compensation. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the deal will include a third-round draft pick and other pick swaps. The move is expected to be finalized on Wednesday. Pickens is in the final year of his rookie deal and is ultimately looking for a contract extension in 2025. The 24-year-old hauled in 59 catches for 900 yards and three touchdowns over 14 games for the Steelers last season. Pickens should see an uptick in production in a better offense with the move to Dallas as quarterback Dak Precott's No. 2 option behind CeeDee Lamb. Unless the Steelers bring in a wide receiver, Roman Wilson, Robert Woods, and Calvin Austin III will compete for Pittsburgh's WR2 role behind DK Metcalf. Pickens to the Cowboys is close to being finalized, and the trade details should be announced later on Wednesday.
May 7, 2025 7:52 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens' name was tossed around in trade discussions last week during the 2025 NFL draft, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, and the Dallas Cowboys were one of the teams that talked about bringing him in, according to sources. Nothing went down with Pickens, though, and now that the draft is over, it's expected that trade buzz surrounding Pickens will cool off. While the 24-year-old wideout was the subject of some trade talks, the Steelers never really seemed adamant about moving him and are excited about the possibilities in 2025 with a 1-2 receiver punch of Pickens and DK Metcalf. Pickens' long-term future with the team is in question, though, as he heads into the final year of his rookie deal. The former second-rounder came short of the 1,000-yard mark for a second straight season, and his fantasy arrow is pointing down after the addition of Metcalf.
Apr 29, 2025 1:20 PM EST
The Athletic's Dianna Russini reports that the Pittsburgh Steelers have been receiving calls about the availability of wide receiver George Pickens, according to sources. The Steelers are open to conversations as they navigate the second round of this year's NFL draft. Pittsburgh gave away their second-round pick this year to acquire wideout DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks earlier this offseason. At No. 21 overall in the first round on Thursday night, the Steelers passed on a quarterback and running back to select Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon. They are now weighing their needs at QB and RB heading into the second round on Friday night against a potential trade of Pickens, who has displayed maturity issues in his time with the team. The Steelers are excited about the possibility of having a 1-2 punch of Metcalf and Pickens, but they might cave in if they're presented with a great offer.
Apr 25, 2025 3:25 PM EST
Sources tell FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz that multiple teams have brought up Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens' name up in trade discussions, and he's a name to watch with the 2025 NFL draft kicking off on Thursday night. The Steelers aren't actively shopping Pickens, but trade talks have taken place as the 24-year-old pass-catcher enters the final year of his contract in 2025. The Steelers could use some more draft capital after giving away their second-rounder this year to acquire DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks, but they are also excited about the possibilities in 2025 with Metcalf and Pickens sharing the field on offense. It sounds like the Steelers aren't in a rush to get rid of Pickens, even though his long-term future with the organization is in question, but they could give in if a team offers them something too good to pass up. Stay tuned.
Apr 23, 2025 11:01 PM EST
ESPN's Brooke Pryor writes that Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan shut down speculation that the team could trade wide receiver George Pickens, who is eligible for a contract extension this summer, to add a second-rounder in this week's NFL draft. "We're glad we have George and DK here," Khan said. "I think they're going to be exciting for everyone to watch." The Steelers have six picks in this week's draft, but they are without a second-rounder after using the No. 52 overall pick as part of the trade to land receiver DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks. The 24-year-old Pickens fell short of 1,000 yards -- he had 900 yards and three touchdowns on 59 receptions -- and could be more volatile of a fantasy asset in 2025 with Metcalf now in the picture. That's especially true with Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson as the only quarterbacks currently on their roster.
Apr 22, 2025 11:55 PM EST
One of the Pittsburgh Steelers' top priorities this offseason will be adding a wide receiver, and Penn Live's Nick Farabaugh writes that a new receiver is expected to complement George Pickens instead of replacing him. Sources have talked down the idea of the Steelers trading Pickens despite his maturity issues in 2024. Pittsburgh will exhaust every avenue once again as they look to add a receiver, with sources pointing to the trade market as a likely avenue. However, the team doesn't play to make any moves at the position until they know who will be starting at quarterback. If the Denver Broncos' talks on a long-term extension with receiver Courtland Sutton break down, the Steelers will be aggressive in trying to trade for him. Farabaugh also expects the Steelers to circle back to Darius Slayton and Christian Kirk, two wideouts that the team was interested in at last year's trade deadline.
Mar 4, 2025 6:07 PM EST
As Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens enters the final year of his rookie deal, general manager Omar Khan hinted at wanting to keep Pickens in the organization long term. "[Pickens] has a desire to be great here," Khan said. "We have a desire for him to be great and to be great here." The 2022 second-round pick out of Georgia has hauled in 174 of his 293 targets for 2,841 yards and 12 touchdowns in 48 career games. Pickens flashed with 1,140 receiving yards in 2023 before posting 900 yards in 14 games last year. The Steelers' wide receiver room is lacking high-end talent, and he's the clear No. 1 option in the passing game as the roster stands.
Feb 25, 2025 10:35 AM EST
The Athltic's Mike DeFabo writes that Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens, who is heading into the final deal of his rookie contract in 2025, could "hold in" at training camp this summer to force the Steelers to either trade him or give him guaranteed money early. DeFabo thinks that it's unlikely the Steelers will give Pickens a contract extension this summer after head coach Mike Tomlin said the 23-year-old wideout needed to "grow up" after a win over the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals. Pickens showed up late on Christmas Day against the Kansas City Chiefs and got into a shouting match with a fan in the regular-season finale. Pickens has shown plenty of talent as a pass-catcher, but his immaturity could get him run out of town. His 2025 fantasy value will depend largely on who the Steelers choose to be their starting quarterback.
Feb 24, 2025 6:16 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens could be traded if the team adds a No. 1 receiver during the offseason, according to Mark Kaboly of 93.7 The Fan. In a post on X responding to fan questions, Kaboly wrote, "Can they land somebody? If so, I do think they will move [Pickens]." It was a turbulent year for the 23-year-old, who drew head coach Mike Tomlin's ire for unsportsmanlike penalties and reportedly showed up late to the team's Christmas Day game. He missed three contests due to injury this year, and his production was somewhat inconsistent when he was healthy. Pickens finished the campaign with 59 receptions, 900 yards, and a career-low three touchdowns. There's no indication that Pittsburgh is done with Pickens or committed to trading him, but Kaboly's post suggests he could certainly be moved.
Jan 20, 2025 12:24 AM EST
The Athletic's Mike DeFabo suggests that the Pittsburgh Steelers should consider trading wide receiver George Pickens this offseason despite the fact that he's without a doubt the team's best offensive player. However, Pickens will enter the fourth and final year of his rookie deal in 2025, which means he could be a "hold in" during training camp this summer as he seeks a contract extension. DeFabo believes giving Pickens a big extension would be a mistake when considering some of his antics on the field. Instead of paying Pickens, the Steelers could choose from receivers scheduled to hit free agency in March that includes Tee Higgins, Chris Godwin, Marquise Brown, Amari Cooper, Keenan Allen, DeAndre Hopkins and Stefon Diggs. In fantasy, Pickens was the WR41 in 2024 with 59 catches for 900 yards and only three touchdowns in 14 games played.
Jan 14, 2025 12:15 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens hauled in all five of his targets for 87 yards and a touchdown in a 28-14 Wild Card Round loss to the Baltimore Ravens. In what was a disappointing night for the Steelers' offense, Pickens stepped up, particularly in the second half with the team trailing. He was on the receiving end of quarterback Russell Wilson's second passing score of the third quarter, a 36-yard deep ball that Pickens caught and made an impressive spin move with before parading into the end zone. The third-year pro later came down with a difficult sideline grab for a gain of 26 that moved the Steelers into Ravens territory with time winding down. All things considered, Pickens turned in a productive 2024-2025 campaign and flashed some potential as a fantasy WR1. The biggest question entering his fourth season will once again be centered around who is throwing him the football.
Jan 12, 2025 12:39 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens failed to make an impact in the team's final game of the regular season but will need to step up against the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the NFL playoffs. Pickens was injured for Pittsburgh's most recent meeting with Baltimore, but back in Week 11, he earned 12 targets and logged eight receptions for 89 yards against his division rival. The Ravens allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to wideouts this season, so this is certainly a matchup that Pickens can find success in. Unfortunately, quarterback Russell Wilson and the Steelers' offense as a whole have been wildly inconsistent, making it extremely difficult to rely on Pickens' production. That said, he has a high ceiling this weekend and can be considered a low-end WR1 or high-end WR2 in fantasy contests.
Jan 9, 2025 11:00 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens came down with just one of his six targets and finished with zero receiving yards in a Week 18 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. It was a night to forget for both Pickens and his fantasy managers. Pickens recorded his only catch of the contest on Pittsburgh's first possession but was unable to gain any yardage on the play. He then proceeded to drop multiple passes from quarterback Russell Wilson while the Steelers attempted to mount a comeback. Pickens has flashed elite fantasy upside but did not establish himself as a reliable WR1 this season. He'll project as a high-risk, high-reward fantasy option next weekend in playoff leagues and DFS contests.
Jan 5, 2025 1:59 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens caught three of seven targets for 50 yards in the Christmas game 29-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Week 17 was Pickens' first game back from a hamstring injury that kept him sidelined from Weeks 14-16. Pickens and the struggling Steelers offense will look to bounce back with a strong performance in Week 18 as they host the Cincinnati Bengals, who rank middle of the pack against opposing wide receivers. Pickens caught three passes for 74 yards and a touchdown in his previous game against the Bengals in Week 13. The Steelers have already clinched a playoff spot. However, they want to steer the ship in the right direction before the playoffs start, as they are on a three-game losing streak heading into this matchup. Look for Russell Wilson to look Pickens' way often in this one. RotoBallers ranks have him as our WR11 in Week 18.
Jan 3, 2025 11:20 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens hauled in just three of his seven targets for 50 yards in a Week 17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Steelers struggled to get much of anything going on offense in this one, but Pickens didn't appear to be hampered by his hamstring injury that kept him sidelined from Weeks 14 through 16. He made an impressive catch for a 41-yard gain on a deep ball from quarterback Russell Wilson and had an 18-yard reception in the fourth quarter called back due to an offside penalty. Although fantasy managers that deployed Pickens in his return were likely let down by this performance, he should still be viewed as a solid WR2 against the Cincinnati Bengals in any leagues that compete in Week 18.
Dec 25, 2024 11:07 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring) is off the injury report and good-to-go for Wednesday's matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. The top wideout in the Steel City has been sidelined for the past three games with a hamstring injury. While he was sidelined, Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson saw an uptick in opportunities. Before the injury, Pickens was enjoying a nice string of performances with Russell Wilson under center. Since Wilson took the starting job in Week 7, Pickens had averaged a strong 16.0 PPR points per game with 81.2 yards per game. This was a nice improvement over the 10.2 PPR points he averaged during the first six games of the campaign. He should be locked into all lineups as a WR2 on Wednesday facing the Chiefs who have allowed the 15th-most PPR points to opposing wideouts this season.
Dec 24, 2024 2:00 PM EST
Pending one final health confirmation for Week 17, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring) is expected to play on Christmas Day on Wednesday versus the Kansas City Chiefs. Pickens has missed each of the last three games and said himself on Monday that he hasn't been cleared yet, but apparently the Steelers are expecting him to gain clearance from the doctors before Wednesday. "I feel good, but who make the decision is the coaches and the doctors. So just whatever they tell me to do I'm doing. Whenever you guys find out is when. I'll find out," Pickens said. The 23-year-old did individual drills in practice on Monday. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Tuesday for his final designation. If Pickens returns in Week 17, he should operate as Pittsburgh's top target, giving him WR2 upside in fantasy in championship matchups.
Dec 23, 2024 4:07 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring) was limited in Sunday's practice estimation. The wideout has missed the last three games because of a hamstring injury, so the update isn't surprising. However, it was reported earlier on Sunday that Pickens has a "real chance" to return on Christmas versus the Kansas City Chiefs. Of course, fantasy managers should continue to plan accordingly. But if Pickens isn't out there on Wednesday, Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson should continue to see more attention from Russell Wilson.
Dec 22, 2024 5:56 PM EST
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