Pittsburgh, Pa. — The Dallas Cowboys have made headlines by acquiring wide receiver George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers, a move that was notably championed by head coach Mike Tomlin. In a recent trade, the Cowboys received Pickens along with a 2027 sixth-round draft pick, while sending a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick to Pittsburgh.
Mark Kaboly, a Steelers insider, revealed during a local radio broadcast that Tomlin played a crucial role in orchestrating the deal. Unlike in typical situations where higher-ups might be more involved, Kaboly stated that the push for Pickens’ departure was spearheaded by Tomlin himself. This indicates a decisive shift in strategy for a Steelers team looking to reshape its roster.
Adding to this narrative, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette confirmed that Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan were both on board with the transaction. Their joint decision reflects a growing determination to revitalize the wide receiver group after a tumultuous period for Pickens in Pittsburgh, marked by his undeniable talent but also instances of behavioral issues.
Pickens’ on-field skills were always evident; however, off-field incidents often overshadowed his potential. Following a game against rival Cincinnati, Tomlin publicly urged the young receiver to mature, especially after Pickens incurred unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. The coach emphasized the need for growth, recognizing the pressures that come with high expectations in intense divisional matchups.
Throughout the past season, Pickens faced scrutiny not only for his performance but also for his disciplinary issues. He received multiple fines, including one for an inappropriate message on his eye black during a game and another for a late hit against Cincinnati’s Tyler Boyd, which led to his ejection. These distractions may have contributed to the Steelers’ decision to move him.
Now, as he joins the Cowboys, Pickens has the opportunity to reset his career amidst a more balanced receiving corps. Playing alongside CeeDee Lamb may allow him to thrive, as Lamb’s status as the number one target could free Pickens from constant double coverage, enabling him to focus on building on his previous statistics, which included 900 receiving yards and three touchdowns last season.
For the Steelers, this trade signals a new chapter, particularly with the addition of wider receiving talent like D.K. Metcalf. It illustrates a commitment to not only improve the team’s receiving options but also to foster a more harmonious on-field environment, something Tomlin evidently prioritized in this decision-making process.
As the Cowboys prepare to welcome Pickens, it will be crucial for them to channel his raw talent into consistent production. If successful, the move could redefine his career and pay dividends for both him and his new team. For Tomlin and the Steelers, it serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in managing young athletes with immense potential but also potential pitfalls.