The Dallas Cowboys shockingly traded with the Pittsburgh Steelers for George Pickens prior to the start of the season. Despite Dallas needing a receiver to complement CeeDee Lamb, no one expected the Steelers to trade Pickens. Pittsburgh had just traded for D.K. Metcalf, and every NFL fan thought that was going to be a dangerous duo in 2025.
That said, Pickens has certainly proved to be a difference maker for the Cowboys with Lamb out. The 24-year-old was unable to consistently be that for Pittsburgh, which is part of the reason they traded him. Even so, it seems the Steelers are regretting that decision.
On Monday, Adam Schefter appeared on the Pat McAfee show and reported that Pittsburgh is in the market for a receiver. Schefter's report shouldn't be surprising to anyone, as the Steelers' receiving corps is basically non-existent outside of Metcalf.
Steelers Regretting Sending George Pickens to the Cowboys
Since Lamb injured his ankle early in Week 3 against the Chicago Bears, Pickens has stepped up. In four games, the 24-year-old has recorded 24 receptions on 35 targets for 427 yards and five touchdowns. The former Georgia product has put up two massive performances in that four-game span.
The first occurred in Week 4 against the Green Bay Packers. In that game, he tallied eight receptions on 11 targets for 134 yards and two touchdowns. Pickens' production as a receiver helped Dallas stay in the game and ultimately tie with the Packers.
Then, this past weekend against the Carolina Panthers, Pickens had an even better game. On Sunday, he logged nine receptions on 11 targets for 168 yards and one touchdown. His highlight play of the day came early in the game when he completed a crazy hurdle over a defender.
Pickens has always possessed this type of talent. During his time with the Steelers, reports even surfaced that some people in the front office believed he was the most talented receiver they had ever seen. However, his downfall in Pittsburgh was his attitude. Luckily, that hasn’t shown up yet with the Cowboys.
After Pickens' two big games with the Cowboys, the Steelers have to be regretting trading him away. Imagine how potent their offense would have been with Metcalf and Pickens together. Nevertheless, Cowboys fans are glad that Pittsburgh made that move because their team is now reaping the rewards.