1 day Ago By Mauricio Rodriguez, A to Z Sports
The Dallas Cowboys need a wide receiver after passing on the position during the 2025 NFL Draft and it's becoming increasingly clear they have a preference: They'd like to trade for one more than sign one. That is significant because though Amari Cooper is the wide receiver that's being discussed by most Cowboys fans these days, Nick Harris from the Forth Worth Star-Telegram describes him as the team's Plan B . "There are plenty of options on the table, whether it's a George Pickens or a Rashod Bateman, we talk about those as far as trade targets, there are trade targets around the league and I think that's what Dallas is really trying to sort through at the moment," Harris said on 105.
3 The Fan . "But if they can't, I think Amari Cooper is their safe fallback option." According to ESPN's Todd Archer, the Cowboys engaged in discussions for a potential trade for an AFC North wide receiver leading up to the NFL Draft.
Bateman and Pickens both fit that description though Pickens was the most discussed target for the national media throughout draft week. However, reports have emerged on Pittsburgh's willingness to deal Pickens colling down post-draft. So now the question becomes: Is Pickens still available for the right compensation and if so what is that? I reached out to A to Z Sports' Steelers expert Rob Gregson for his insight.
Could the Steelers still be willing to trade Pickens? George Pickens will be a Pittsburgh Steeler in 2025—until they receive the right offer. For the past year, the rhetoric coming from the Steelers front office has been about addition in the WR room, not subtraction. But George Pickens has tested their patience.
If not for a strong relationship with Mike Tomlin, he likely would have been gone a long time ago due to his immaturity. Repeatedly being late to practice, team meetings, even chartered flights, Pickens has yet to fully grasp the professional aspect of the NFL. Man, is he dynamic though.
The thought of having him and DK Metcalf on opposite sides of the field is why the Steelers have been so hesitant to pull the trigger on a trade, despite the recent reports of activity. And that's where the price comes in. The Steelers were never going to move George Pickens during last week's draft for less than a day-two pick.
Add in present value and the fact that Pittsburgh will be loaded with compensatory selections in next year's draft, and the cost will likely be the same. Steelers brass will tell you Pickens is unavailable, but only if you come offering a fourth rounder or worst. Steelers' insight brings up interesting Brian Schottenheimer question The Cowboys are likely not parting ways with a 2026 second-rounder for a player they'd need to extend next offseason.
But a third? They might consider it considering how badly they need a wide receiver. However, the front office is likely not looking for one-year rentals, for them to be comfortable with parting ways with a Day 2 pick, they'd probably have to feel good about their chances of getting a deal done next year. But this conversation also brings up an important question: Based on Gregson's words that come off as a warning, is Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer willing to deal with Pickens' character? A big story of this Cowboys offseason has been Schotty's focus on high-character players for the locker room.
Pickens' talent could beat out his behavior when it's decision time but it would be a telling move if they're willing to pay the price. Ultimately, I think the Cowboys front office ends up taking a much more conservative route but there's no question Pickens is probably at the top of impactful players they could realistically add. This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.
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