Trade Grades: Steelers Trade George Pickens To Cowboys

Trade Grades: Steelers Trade George Pickens To Cowboys

It finally happened. George Pickens is at last out of Pittsburgh after being traded to Dallas. If you read the headline, you already know where we’re going with this, so how about we agree to skip to the charades and get to the point? As always, feel free to send in your feedback if you disagree with my trade grades for the George Pickens deal.

⚠️ TRADE ALERT ⚠️

We’ve agreed to terms to acquire WR George Pickens and a 2027 6th-round pick from the Steelers in exchange for a 2026 3rd-round pick and a 2027 5th-round pick.

📰: https://t.co/6bwTbmwTSW | @blockchain pic.twitter.com/m3C0JcyzxX

— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) May 7, 2025

Cowboys: Grade B+

I don’t want to give the Cowboys a full-blown A because giving up third round pick isn’t nothing. With that said, it’s about as close to a no-brainer trade as it gets for Dallas.

A: If Dallas lets Pickens walk after this season, they likely will get that pick right back. Based on how insane the wide receiver market is, that comp pick is going to be a 4th at the worst case. When you factor that in, Dallas really only gave up a late round swap. You can’t hate it. Impossible to hate it.

B: Dallas went about this the right way. The 2025 NFL Draft was a trash wide receiver class. The Cowboys didn’t take one, but did sign Traeshon Holden as an intriguing UDFA guy. Regardless, the Cowboys needed someone opposite of CeeDee Lamb in the worst way possible. Instead of reaching for someone in the third round, they use a 2026 pick to get a way better talent than they otherwise would have gotten in that spot. Again, no-brainer.

I also love the fact that Pickens doesn’t have to be the number one. I can’t imagine what he can do with CeeDee Lamb soaking up the double teams. Love this deal for Dallas.

George Pickens Has No Faith About The Steelers’ Offense

Steelers: Grade D

This team is as re re as it gets. So let me get this straight… You give up a two for DK Metcalf and then give him all the money. Then send Pickens packing for a third and a swap next year? Was that really the move?

Explain to me what this team is trying to accomplish. This team doesn’t have a quarterback. Why they’re screwing around giving up premium picks for wide receivers, and then turning around and giving away the way cheaper option for pennies is mind boggling.

Let’s be real about it. 2025-26 will be another lost season for the Steelers, and if they were actually smart… they would fire Tomlin and trade TJ Watt for the farm already to reset things.

*For my fantasy football angle, click here!

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