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George Pickens, the Cowboys’ Newest Weapon…And the Steelers’ Smart Reboot

November 21, 2025

Coming out of Georgia, George Pickens was one of the most talented wide receivers in the draft without a doubt, but some issues on and off the field like a fight during a game against Georgia Tech, though nothing legally related, caused Pickens to slip to the second-round of the draft to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers have a knack for finding wide receiver talent late in the draft, most notably Antonio Brown in the 6th round who also slipped due to behavioral concerns, so taking a shot on a guy whose character is in question was not new to Mike Tomlin. From the moment he stepped onto the field in Pittsburgh, Pickens quickly proved he was more than just a risky second-round flyer. His highlight-reel catches, physical play style, and natural ability to take over games made him one of the Steelers’ most electric young players and a fan favorite almost overnight. But as Pickens’ star grew, so did questions about his fit within the Steelers’ evolving offense. Flashes of frustration on the sideline, inconsistent quarterback play, and a system that struggled to fully unlock his deep-threat ability all began to paint a complicated picture behind the scenes.

Pickens rookie year made Steeler fans believe they had the future of their passing game for years to come, from spectacular one handed catches to game winning grabs, he looked destined for greatness. He finished his rookie year with 52 catches on 84 targets for 801 yards and 4 touchdowns, it wasn’t flashy but the big play ability was showing and if the volume could increase everyone in Pittsburgh knew the production would as well. Through his first season, Pickens remained in check for the most part and everyone was saying Tomlin’s done it again.

Pickens entered his second season primed for a breakout and Steelers fans everywhere mentioning him among the league’s best, it was in this season though Pickens antics started. In a win against the Los Angeles Rams, Pickens was flagged and subsequently fined for an unnecessary roughness and unsportsmanlike conduct. After the game he said he felt as if the Rams were trying to “get under” his skin. So although it was a small instance, it was the first showing in the NFL for Pickens that he is prone to being a hot head and struggles to keep his emotions in check. A few more weeks went by without incident but after a loss to the Colts, Pickens complained about his usage to the media, stating “I mean, I can’t really produce that way, running 5-yard routes, 3-yard routes.” This caused some Steeler fans to start turning on him and give him the infamous “diva” tag.  The next week though Pickens had the game of his career, catching 4 passes for 195 yards and 2 touchdowns vs the Bengals in primetime for the whole world to see, which cemented his status as an up and coming star in the league. In this game though he was given another unsportsmanlike conduct fine for waving at Bengals defenders on his way to the endzone. That was it for official fines for his sophomore campaign though it was speculated he was also fined privately by the Steelers on a couple occasions. He finished his season with 63 receptions on 106 targets for 1140 yards and 5 touchdowns, so although he was showing his true colors a little bit, his production was enough for many to look past it. 

Entering his 3rd season expectations were high for the deep threat as the Steelers made a change at quarterback, signing veteran Russell Wilson to a cheap deal, who is known for his famous “moon ball” so it seemed to be a match made in heaven. As Pickens buzz grew though, so did his ego. He was putting up good stats but becoming a weekly headline for his actions almost weekly. In week 5 after a loss to the Cowboys, Pickens got into it with Cowboys corner Jourdan Lewis, grabbing him by his facemask and pulling him to the ground, in which he received a $10,230 fine. He also received a $10,231 fine in the same game for wearing eye black with the inscription “Open F***ing Always”. A few weeks later Pickens was fined $16,883 in a win over the Commanders for an egregious facemask penalty where he almost removed the defenders helmet. Two weeks later in a game against the Browns is where Pickens really lost most of Steeler Nation, when on a last play hail mary while trailing, Pickens was fighting in the back of the endzone with Browns corner Greg Newsome while the ball was still in the air. Then again in the Steelers very next game, Pickens was hit with two unsportsmanlike conduct fines, in which Pickens claimed the refs misunderstood his first down gesture. Mike Tomlin had different thoughts though, stating Pickens needed to “grow up”. Four weeks later in a Christmas game against the Chiefs, Pickens was fined once again, this time for removing his helmet during the final play of the game in a losing effort. Through it all though, Pickens was showing he was gonna be a future force, and making it hard to move him no matter the issues that come with him. He posted 59 catches on 103 targets for 900 yards and 3 touchdowns in only 14 games.

Going into his 4th season the Steelers needed wide receiver help, so they made a blockbuster off season trade for DK Metcalf. NFL fans everywhere were excited to see this duo on the field with Aaron Rodgers throwing the ball. This excitement only lasted a couple days though as the Steelers shockingly moved Pickens to the Cowboys for a third-round pick, deciding they had enough of his antics and Metcalf could fill his role. For Pickens this was a match made in heaven, going from one of the most struggling offenses since he entered in the league to one of the most dynamic, pass happy offenses, led by MVP candidate Dak Prescott at QB and arguably a top 5 wide receiver in the NFL in Ceedee Lamb. Midway through his first season with the Cowboys, Pickens has shown what Steeler fans everywhere knew, he is a STAR. Ceedee Lamb missed a good portion of games to start the year so Pickens got his chance to be the WR1 in this high powered offense and he didn’t disappoint, averaging about 90 yards per game so far with 900 yards and 7 touchdowns, and currently sitting second in the NFL in yards. He has remained out of headlines up until his most recent game against the Raiders where he and Ceedee Lamb sat out the first drive for being out past team curfew. This didn’t matter though as Pickens had his best game in a Cowboys uniform, 9 catches 144 yards and a touchdown. The Cowboys are familiar with star wide receivers and so far it is looking like they got another one.

In the end, the George Pickens trade will be remembered as one of those rare NFL moves that says just as much about a franchise’s identity as it does about the player involved. Pittsburgh chose stability, discipline, and a fresh start, believing that the Metcalf–Rodgers pairing offered a cleaner path forward. Dallas chose talent, electricity, and the belief that they could harness Pickens’ fire rather than fear it. And so far, that gamble is paying off. Pickens looks rejuvenated in Dallas, thriving in an offense that lets him be exactly what he is, a physical, emotional, game-tilting force who changes coverages the moment he steps on the field. His journey from second-round risk to rising star, to controversial figure, to the Cowboys’ newest weapon is still being written, but one thing is already clear: when you give George Pickens the ball, the spotlight, and a little room to grow, he can be one of the most dangerous players in football. Both teams made their choice, and right now, the Cowboys look like the ones who struck gold.

Ben, Author

Communication major and junior from Ohio. I played college ball at the D2 level for Lake Erie College as a defensive end…so I know a thing or two about grit (and laundry day after turf stains). I’m a proud fan of the Steelers, Michigan, and Red Sox, and when I’m not watching or debating sports, you’ll probably catch me at a Steelers game.