May 7 will mark one year since the Pittsburgh Steelers officially traded George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. Early returns suggest the Steelers may have come out behind on paper, an outcome many predicted at the time. Still, the final verdict on the deal remains years away, as the full impact of the draft picks involved on both sides will not be clear until at least 2027.
One of the most consequential ripple effects of the Pickens trade will be how the Steelers capitalize on the extra third‑round pick they acquired this year. That selection represents their best immediate chance to offset the loss of a star receiver. While general manager Omar Khan has faced criticism for seemingly getting the short end of the deal, that risk often comes with such a deal.
For now, the Steelers are still searching for a true replacement for Pickens, and the pressure on Khan continues to build.
Pickens is coming off the most productive season of his NFL career after years of being stuck in Pittsburgh’s often ineffective offenses. But while his on‑field performance reached new heights, the situation surrounding the former Steelers receiver has been far from smooth. Pickens is now chasing a massive contract extension. More drama could be on the horizon for the star player.
Ex-Pittsburgh Steelers WR George Pickens could cause headaches in contract negotiations with the Cowboys
At the NFL Owners Meetings in Phoenix, Arizona, many head coaches and top people around the NFL have held court with the media. Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer was one of those in attendance. During his media availability, he spoke about the former Steelers receiver and his ongoing contract issue. Schottenheimer's quote should concern Cowboys fans everywhere.
According to The Athletic’s Jon Machota, who covers the Cowboys, the team has received no reassurance that Pickens will participate in the offseason program.
That uncertainty could be an early warning sign for Dallas if a long-term contract cannot be reached with its star offensive weapon. While concern is already growing, the Cowboys' head coach attempted to downplay the issue with a general response.
"Look, GP loves it here. We love GP. We have plans for GP to be here for a long time,” Schottenheimer claimed.
Ultimately, the Steelers moved Pickens to avoid committing to a massive payday. The organization placed greater trust in DK Metcalf and his locker room presence rather than making that investment in Pickens. The decisions led to two major trades involving elite receivers last offseason. Now, the Cowboys could be facing an unwelcome reality as the situation continues to unfold.
If the Cowboys are unable to secure a new deal and keep him on the franchise tag, the situation could quickly become problematic, potentially mirroring a Le’Veon Bell-type standoff.
Rumors surfaced in Dallas last season suggesting Pickens faced discipline on multiple occasions, though some of those reports were later disputed. The Steelers also dealt with ongoing challenges involving Pickens and his personality during his time in Pittsburgh.