The Dallas Cowboys raised eyebrows once they left final month’s NFL Draft with out deciding on a large receiver.
Nevertheless it didn’t take for much longer for Dallas to fill that want — via a blockbuster commerce.
The Cowboys acquired George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday for a bundle headlined by Dallas’ 2026 third-round choose.
Dallas additionally despatched a 2027 fifth-round choose, whereas Pittsburgh included its 2027 sixth-rounder.
The early-morning commerce bolsters a place group led by CeeDee Lamb, giving Dallas one of many higher vast receiver duos within the NFL.
Pickens, a 6-3 goal recognized for his big-play means, hauled in 59 receptions for 900 yards and three touchdowns in 14 video games final season.
The 24-year-old has eclipsed 800 yards in every of his three NFL seasons — together with in 2023, when he set profession highs with 63 catches, 1,140 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Dallas is seeking to rebound from a 7-10 season by which quarterback Dak Prescott missed the ultimate 9 video games with a hamstring damage that required surgical procedure.
The addition of Pickens fills a big void for the Cowboys, who’ve struggled to discover a No. 2 vast receiver since buying and selling Amari Cooper to the Cleveland Browns after the 2021 season.
Aside from Lamb, a Dallas vast receiver has not reached 700 receiving yards in any of the final three seasons. In November, Dallas traded its 2025 fourth-round choose to the Carolina Panthers for vast receiver Jonathan Mingo and a seventh-rounder.
The Cowboys had been linked to big-bodied Arizona vast receiver Tetairoa McMillan within the draft, however he was taken No. 8 general — 4 spots forward of Dallas — by the Panthers. Dallas then drafted Alabama guard Tyler Booker with the No. 12 choose.
The Steelers drafted Pickens out of Georgia within the second spherical of the 2022 draft, and his uncommon play-making rapidly made him their No. 1 vast receiver.
However Pickens made headlines a number of instances for his on-field altercations and penalties.
“He’s just got to grow up, man,” Tomlin mentioned after the Bengals sport. “This is an emotional game, man. These divisional games are big. He’s got a target on his back because he’s George; he understands that. But he’s got to grow up. He’s got to grow up in a hurry.”
The Steelers added D.Okay. Metcalf this offseason in a commerce with the Seattle Seahawks, giving them a brand new No. 1 vast receiver, and signed him to a four-year, $132 million contract extension.
Pittsburgh continues to attend on a call from quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who’s weighing his choices — which embrace signing with Pittsburgh or retiring — after being launched by the Jets in March.
Dallas’ addition of Pickens continues this offseason’s NFC East arms race.
The defending champion Philadelphia Eagles prolonged operating again Saquon Barkley, re-signed linebacker Zack Baun and drafted Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell.
The Washington Commanders traded for receiver Deebo Samuel and left deal with Laremy Tunsil.
And the Giants signed quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston; drafted quarterback Jaxson Dart out of Ole Miss; and drafted Penn State cross rusher Abdul Carter with the No. 3 general choose.
