The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted veteran wide receiver George Pickens in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Georgia. After emerging as a No. 1 wide receiver and 1,000-yard playmaker, Pittsburgh decided to trade Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. Now, Pickens is in search of a long-term extension with the Cowboys after a career year.
However, the Cowboys have a different idea. According to ESPN senior insider Adam Schefter (via Cowboys CEO Stephen Jones), the Cowboys are not going to discuss a long-term contract with Pickens. In other words, he is slated to play the 2026 season under the franchise tag.
There’s a Reason Why the Pittsburgh Steelers Didn’t Pay George Pickens
GettyThe Steelers sent George Pickens and a 2027 sixth-round pick to the Cowboys for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick.
Here is what Schefter had to say on Wednesday during The Pat McAfee Show about the Cowboys deciding not to pursue extension talks with Pickens this offseason and whether or not Pickens could be traded:
“Here we go. There’s one storyline for the week…You can’t trade George Pickens without him signing the franchise tender. And, he’s not going to sign it unless he agrees to go somewhere else that would potentially reward him.”
Every NFL team only has so much money that it can pay its players. Pickens is absolutely worth a long-term extension. The problem is that his 2025 season could have also been a one-hit wonder. His 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns proved that he can be a star. In fact, they proved he can be an All-Pro. However, when you consider his past issues and antics in the locker room, that perhaps also played a role in Dallas being afraid to pay the 25-year-old.
The Steelers Have Filled Pickens’ Place
GettyThe Steelers traded for WR Michael Pittman Jr. during free agency.
To replace Pickens’ 174 receptions, 2,841 yards, and 21 touchdown catches, the Steelers have made a couple of other trades at the position over the last few offseasons. Before last season, Steelers GM Omar Khan traded for Pro Bowl wide receiver DK Metcalf, who ended up leading the team in receiving in 2025. This offseason, Khan was able to agree to terms on a trade for two-time 1,000-yard receiver Michael Pittman Jr.
Furthermore, Pittsburgh has a great chance to draft a receiver with the 21st overall pick. Perhaps a player such as Washington’s Denzel Boston could complete the position group. While trading away Pickens could’ve been tough at the time because he was a productive player, the Steelers have been able to make the wide receiver room more well-rounded. That is, if they can draft a talented prospect in this draft.
Of course, the wide receiver room can take a major leap depending on the level of play at the quarterback position. This is where Aaron Rodgers comes into play. If the future first-ballot Hall of Famer decides to run it back for his 22nd career season, he should be able to build a great connection with the current core that is in place, like he did last year.
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