The Cowboys finally have their No. 2 receiver to complement CeeDee Lamb.
Dallas is acquiring George Pickens from the Steelers in exchange for a third-round pick and additional pick swaps, according to ESPN.
Pickens, 24, is entering the final year of his rookie deal.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones recently said “the train had not left the station” in the team’s attempt to find a wideout that could truly form a dynamic combination with Lamb.
Jalen Tolbert had the second-most receiving yards on the team last year with 610, and Lamb has not had a true No. 2 alongside him since the 2021 when he paired with Amari Cooper.
In Pickens, the Cowboys land a talented receiver who endured some bumps in Pittsburgh.
The 2022 second-round pick has tallied at least 800 yards in each season of his career, including a career-high 1,140 yards in 2023 and a 900 this past season in 14 games.
However, there have been concerns about his attitude.
Underdog said Pickens and the Steelers had a “very difficult year” this past season, which included Pickens showing up late for a Christmas game against the Steelers.
Head coach Mike Tomlin said during the season that Pickens has to “grow up” after receiving a pair of unsportsmanlike conducts in a December win over the Bengals.
It seemed, though, that the sides may remain together when general manager Omar Kahn indicated before the draft that team did not plan to move Pickens.
The Steelers previously acquired and extended receiver DK Metcalf to pair with Pickens.
“We’re glad we have George and DK here. I think they’re going to be exciting for everyone to watch,” Kahn said. “(We’re) excited to have DK here, but no (trade plans).”
The Steelers did then did not add a receiver in the draft, seemingly setting the stage for Metcalf and Pickens to work with whomever is under center next season.
But after this trade, Metcalf is the benefit and should be pepped with targets from either Aaron Rodgers or the underwhelming in-house options such as Mason Rudolph and Will Howard.
