It felt inevitable that the Dallas Cowboys were going to make a big move for a wide receiver. Jerry Jones revealed as much after the 2025 NFL Draft. Just as fans talked themselves into an Amari Cooper reunion, though, the front office made a blockbuster trade for Pittsburgh Steelers star George Pickens on Wednesday morning.
Pickens comes with a lot of concerns, but that doesn't have anything to do with his talent. His catch catalog is as impressive as any WR in the NFL. In terms of raw talent, Pickens has the ability to be a top 10 player at the position. That speaks volumes when you consider just how many star pass-catchers exist in the league.
It's too early to say if Dallas will give Pickens an extension. The former Georgia star is entering the final year of his rookie contract and a third-round pick is a lot to give up for a potential one-year rental.
There will be plenty of time to discuss the bigger picture and potential long-term ramifications, though. What matters is how much Pickens upgrades the wide receiver room.
Cowboys updated WR depth chart after George Pickens trade
- CeeDee Lamb
- George Pickens
- Jalen Tolbert
- Jonathan Mingo
- KaVontae Turpin
- Ryan Flournoy
This group is SO much deeper now.
Lamb is cemented as a top-five player at the position. He belongs in the same tier as Justin Jefferson and Ja'Marr Chase.
Pickens, meanwhile, is a more talented version of former fan favorite Michael Gallup. While Gallup sadly flamed out with the Cowboys following his ACL tear, he used to be one of the most dynamic pass-catchers in the game.
A third-round pick in 2018, Gallup caught 66 passes on 113 targets for 1,107 yards and six touchdowns as the clear No. 2 for Dak Prescott in his second year in the league. In Pickens' second year (2023), he tallied 63 catches on 106 targets for 1,140 yards and eight TDs while leading the league with 18.1 yards per reception.
You would be hard-pressed to name five WR2s better than Pickens.
The best part of the Pickens trade is that it demotes Tolbert to the WR3 role. Tolbert had a sneakily productive 2024 season, but he hasn't shown enough to be entrusted as Lamb's sidekick.
The same goes for Jonathan Mingo, whom Dallas acquired for a fourth-round pick at last year's trade deadline. While the team needs Mingo to perform, it is in everyone's best interest that he's not peppered with targets out of the gates. Pickens' arrival ensures that won't happen.
At 6-foot-3 with incredible leaping ability, ball skills and body control, Pickens will command serious attention from opposing defenses. Between the play-calling, quarterback and other pass-catchers, Pickens' presence will make everyone's job on the field much easier.