George Pickens trade:

George Pickens Trade: Grades for Cowboys, Steelers in WR Deal

When the Dallas Cowboys signed a record-breaking deal to acquire wide receiver George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers, the NFL trade market experienced a surprising shift. The move has major implications for both franchises as they look to reshape their offenses for the 2024 season and beyond.

Here’s a breakdown of the trade and grades for both teams.

The Details of the Deal The Cowboys get: WR George Pickens

The Steelers get: 2025 3rd-round pick

2026 fifth-round selection Jalen Tolbert, WR Cowboys Grade: B+

Why it works for Dallas:

The Cowboys needed another dynamic playmaker alongside CeeDee Lamb, and Pickens brings exactly that. Despite some inconsistency in Pittsburgh, Pickens has shown flashes of elite talent with his contested-catch ability and deep-threat potential. He perfectly complements Dak Prescott's aggressive passing style at just 23 years old. Potential concerns:

Pickens has had maturity questions in Pittsburgh, including sideline outbursts and effort concerns. If Dallas can keep him focused, this could be a steal—but if not, they risk adding a volatile presence to their locker room.

Final verdict:

The upside is enormous, and the cost was reasonable for a mid-round pick swap and a depth wide receiver in Tolbert. If Pickens thrives, this could be one of the best moves of the offseason.

Steelers Grade: C+

Why Pittsburgh benefits from it: The Steelers are clearly shifting toward a new offensive identity under Russell Wilson (or Justin Fields). Moving Pickens suggests they’re prioritizing culture fit and locker room harmony. The draft picks give them flexibility, and Jalen Tolbert provides depth at WR.

Potential concerns:

Pickens was their most explosive receiver, and now they’re left with Diontae Johnson and a largely unproven group. Unless they have another move coming, this could leave their passing game lacking firepower.

Final verdict:

While getting a 3rd-rounder is decent value, Pittsburgh may regret letting go of a young, high-ceiling talent like Pickens unless they have a clear plan to replace his production.

Who Won the Trade?

The Cowboys currently hold a slight advantage due to Pickens' potential in an offense that relies more on passing. However, if Pittsburgh turns those picks into key contributors, this could balance out.

Final Grades:

Cowboys: B+ (high potential at a reasonable cost) Steelers: C+ (Decent return, but Pickens' talent may be missed) Will Pickens become a star in Dallas, or will Pittsburgh's draft haul prove to be more valuable? This trade could look very different in a year. The future will tell.