Pickens to be traded to Cowboys?

[ETL]

Adam Schefter reporting on X that Steelers and Cowboys will finalize trade today with Pickens going to Cowboys for draft picks.

If true - I have to say that I am not surprised. Steelers were not going to pay ton of money to two WRs and why would Pickens play and risk injury in final year of contract without more guaranteed money. Whether the Cowboys do that or not is up to them. Pickens may feel more motivated to “show” what he’s got with a new team.

I don’t know what the Steelers got back in return for Pickens but I’m guessing a 4th rounder. Clearly Pickens is better than a 4th round pick but he’s a headache and in the last year of rookie contract.

addendum: now reported to be a 3rd pick and swaps. I personally think that’s a good deal for us.

[Mojouw]

I never like these kind of deals. I understand the reasoning behind it, but it just means you are trading a known quantity for a chance to pick an unknown.

The Steelers just spent like 3 years looking for "another WR". Then your get one and trade away the "other" WR. Now you enter the 2026 draft with a 1, 2, 3(x3), and 4 (x2) plus whatever 5-7 picks they end up with.

So what? You basically are going to burn all those picks on QB and now WR.

They are almost certainly going to have to trade up for a QB. So that is their first and second round pick plus whatever they have to steal from the 2027 stockpile to get that move done. Now you have to try and bundle some of the remaining stuff to move around and get your new QB a WR.

Basically, they traded Pickens to get a chance to select him again a round later. Khan usually makes things work, but this one seems destined to be him chasing his tail.

[ETL]

I never like these kind of deals. I understand the reasoning behind it, but it just means you are trading a known quantity for a chance to pick an unknown.

The Steelers just spent like 3 years looking for "another WR". Then your get one and trade away the "other" WR. Now you enter the 2026 draft with a 1, 2, 3(x3), and 4 (x2) plus whatever 5-7 picks they end up with.

So what? You basically are going to burn all those picks on QB and now WR.

They are almost certainly going to have to trade up for a QB. So that is their first and second round pick plus whatever they have to steal from the 2027 stockpile to get that move done. Now you have to try and bundle some of the remaining stuff to move around and get your new QB a WR.

Basically, they traded Pickens to get a chance to select him again a round later. Khan usually makes things work, but this one seems destined to be him chasing his tail.

I understand what you are saying but I guess there is “new information” that has to be considered. And that is his mental state and stability going forward. I have to defer to the coaches and people who are around him to have come to a conclusion that he is not mentally stable despite his talent to deserve a long term contract. Maybe they knew this from day 1 but said let’s see how he evolves. And they gave him time … 3 years worth of time to see if he could be a stable player in whom to build a WR room. He wasn’t.

I would have loved to see him here for another year but if he was like “I’m not playing unless you give me an extension” or “I want to be traded!” - then the FO had no choice but to try to get the best offer. A 3rd rounder is ok with me.

[Mojouw]

I understand what you are saying but I guess there is “new information” that has to be considered. And that is his mental state and stability going forward. I have to defer to the coaches and people who are around him to have come to a conclusion that he is not mentally stable despite his talent to deserve a long term contract. Maybe they knew this from day 1 but said let’s see how he evolves. And they gave him time … 3 years worth of time to see if he could be a stable player in whom to build a WR room. He wasn’t.

I would have loved to see him here for another year but if he was like “I’m not playing unless you give me an extension” or “I want to be traded!” - then the FO had no choice but to try to get the best offer. A 3rd rounder is ok with me.

All true.

I just feel that it is kind of treading water. You get worse for the 2025 season (although that is starting to look like the plan) and you get boxed into a corner with your 2026 draft plans.

This is not exactly a realistic statement....but you are looking at 2027 before your offense doesn't stink. Why not go "all in" on the rebuild and strip the defense for parts as well?

[ETL]

I’m optimistic that they can still have a strong WR room without the headache. I remember when Diontae was traded - that was addition by subtraction. Losing Pickens seems to be bad but if he was such a head case then again it’s addition by subtraction.

Amari cooper and Keenan Allen are still available and if and when Rodgers sign - I wouldn’t be surprised if we try to get a WR with whom he is familiar - let’s say trade for Allen Lazard.

[Dwinsgames]

steelers give Pickens and a 6th in 2027 for Cowboys 2026 3rd and 2027 5th .....

so not getting much more than a comp pick but getting it a year earlier than the comp pick would be and then swapping a 6th for a 5th the next year ... but losing Pickens kind of production in 2025 ....this might be the Steelers method of tanking , be semi competitive but not going all in ... this to me should spell forget A Rod and roll with the rookie at QB and let the chips fall where they may and go all in in 2026 in front of the home crowd for the QB of the next 15-20 years ....

[tube517]

I’m optimistic that they can still have a strong WR room without the headache. I remember when Diontae was traded - that was addition by subtraction. Losing Pickens seems to be bad but if he was such a head case then again it’s addition by subtraction.

Amari cooper and Keenan Allen are still available and if and when Rodgers sign - I wouldn’t be surprised if we try to get a WR with whom he is familiar - let’s say trade for Allen Lazard.

That is my thought. Woods is older than dirt.

But whoever the QB, they aren't going anywhere anyway in postseason

Sent from my Lenovo TB-X606F using Tapatalk

[EzraTank]

Not liking this trade. We spent years looking for a #2 receiver and get another #1 in Metcalf only to put ourselves right back where we started. There has to be other internal stuff that we just don't know about.

Now instead of us being the team with two studs to stop it is the Cowboys with Lamb & Pickens. Just a bad trade.

[Mojouw]

Off the field and in the meeting rooms, this may improve things. We don't know because no one really knows what has and has not been going on.

But on the field each week, the Steelers are far worse off after this trade. Pickens is one of the most talented WRs in the entire league. In a decent offensive set-up; he would already be a star. There is a chance on a fully healthy Cowboys team, he torches the league.

But for the addition by subtraction argument...on the field I do not buy it. The Steelers got rid of Diontae Johnson and then had a Diontae Johnson shaped hole in their offense for awhile. They filled that with Metcalf. And now have created a Pickens shaped hole that they may take 2+ years to fill.

Finally, on the field solely, this makes little sense. Pickens is the best "ball winner" WR on the team - hands down. Metcalf just isn't that guy despite his massive size. The only QBs on the roster....really need a guy to go and get the ball. Both Rudolph and Howard throw deep, but not fit into to a small space deep. Both are more the "hey....go get this dang ball I just heaved down the field" type. Pickens is the exact type of WR they would need to flourish....and now he's not there.

Off the field....this may make a great deal of sense. On the field? It is a tank type move.

[ETL]

Everyone is saying how we are back to last year but to me there is a big difference.

DK Metcalf is a clear no doubt #1 WR. Pickens was not a clear WR1 and for sure in Dallas he is a WR2.

Even with the loss of Pickens we are much better at WR this year than last.

If you had the choice of having just one of these WRs - who would you want? Metcalf or Pickens?

it’s clearly Metcalf for me- hands down.

[Shoes]

This is great TEAM news!

[Mojouw]

Everyone is saying how we are back to last year but to me there is a big difference.

DK Metcalf is a clear no doubt #1 WR. Pickens was not a clear WR1 and for sure in Dallas he is a WR2.

Even with the loss of Pickens we are much better at WR this year than last.

If you had the choice of having just one of these WRs - who would you want? Metcalf or Pickens?

it’s clearly Metcalf for me- hands down.

I'm excited to be proven wrong, but I think Pickens is currently a better WR than Metcalf.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Its a good move. Steelers were not going to extend Pickens, so trade him while you can get something for him. Its going to be unpopular, but they arent winning a Super Bowl this season, so he would be gone anyways.

So they are going to be looking to Austin, Wilson, Woods, to pick up their games and maybe its a chance for another veteran to be added or ROC has a chance to shine in preseason?

[Shoes]

Its a good move. Steelers were not going to extend Pickens, so trade him while you can get something for him. Its going to be unpopular, but they arent winning a Super Bowl this season, so he would be gone anyways.

So they are going to be looking to Austin, Wilson, Woods, to pick up their games and maybe its a chance for another veteran to be added or ROC has a chance to shine in preseason?

Agreed, and the Lazard rumors might have some truth to them. If he shows up in Pittsburgh, I’m sure Rodgers won't be far behind.

[Born2Steel]

Agreed, and the Lazard rumors might have some truth to them. If he shows up in Pittsburgh, I’m sure Rodgers won't be far behind.

I've also read Amari Cooper rumors.

[hawaiiansteeler]

Agreed, and the Lazard rumors might have some truth to them. If he shows up in Pittsburgh, I’m sure Rodgers won't be far behind.

Allen Lazard is in play for the Steelers

May 7, 2025

Aaron Rodgers could be getting the gang back together in Pittsburgh. Well, part of it.

https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profoo...r-the-steelers

[Shoes]

Allen Lazard is in play for the Steelers

May 7, 2025

Aaron Rodgers could be getting the gang back together in Pittsburgh. Well, part of it.

https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profoo...r-the-steelers

Lazard is on a blue light special, too.

[Mojouw]

Geez. This is gonna be a disaster.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Agreed, and the Lazard rumors might have some truth to them. If he shows up in Pittsburgh, I’m sure Rodgers won't be far behind.

I'm feeling like the Rodgers stuff is like Aiyuk last year. Even if Rodgers ends up with the Steelers, I am not too hopeful that a prima donna QB that turns 42 in December is going to be that great of an idea. Either way, I am good with it because the Steelers likely wont have a great record and will have a better draft pick than #20 next year.

[EzraTank]

Geez. This is gonna be a disaster.

That's it, your officially uninvited to the Superbowl Party next February!

[Born2Steel]

I'm feeling like the Rodgers stuff is like Aiyuk last year. Even if Rodgers ends up with the Steelers, I am not too hopeful that a prima donna QB that turns 42 in December is going to be that great of an idea. Either way, I am good with it because the Steelers likely wont have a great record and will have a better draft pick than #20 next year.

I keep reading this sentiment. The Steelers currently are predicted to have 5 top 100 picks and 7 in the top 150 next draft. That's a lot of ammo for trading up. My thinking they can get into the top 10 picks without tanking games. Plus, with all the picks coming, you have the freedom to play the rookie QB and see what you actually have at the position.

I know you didn't say tank. I'm speaking of the general sentiment I'm seeing on message boards from fans. But the finish with a worse record gives us a better draft pick is still an unknown until we see who declares.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

I keep reading this sentiment. The Steelers currently are predicted to have 5 top 100 picks and 7 in the top 150 next draft. That's a lot of ammo for trading up. My thinking they can get into the top 10 picks without tanking games. Plus, with all the picks coming, you have the freedom to play the rookie QB and see what you actually have at the position.

I know you didn't say tank. I'm speaking of the general sentiment I'm seeing on message boards from fans. But the finish with a worse record gives us a better draft pick is still an unknown until we see who declares.

Yup, do the best you can with the players that you have and see what happens. If its a 41 year old washed up QB, a recycled backup in Rudolph or a rookie in Howard.

Remember the '84 Steelers team that had Mark Malone and David Woodley at QB and went 9-7 but lost to the Dolphins in the AFCCG? I know its not that kind of team or era, but those were not great QB's. The next few years were the slide and the rebuild.

but I'm not being delusional in thinking this team has better odds of winning the AFC North than Baltimore or Cinci this year. Just pointing out that they will field a team as best as possible and compete. Tanking isnt in the cards, but pushing the chips to the center isnt the play this year, nor should it be.

[Shoes]

I'm feeling like the Rodgers stuff is like Aiyuk last year. Even if Rodgers ends up with the Steelers, I am not too hopeful that a prima donna QB that turns 42 in December is going to be that great of an idea. Either way, I am good with it because the Steelers likely wont have a great record and will have a better draft pick than #20 next year.

I think the Steelers should pass on Rodgers, but if they do sign him, we’ll just have to hope for the best and enjoy the season. Rodgers still has a strong arm, even if his legs are showing his age. As for the draft picks, I saw something interesting over at the Depot on the possible picks the Team may have.
https://steelersdepot.com/2025/05/by...6-draft-picks/

[Mojouw]

Just for reference:

Texans mover from 12 to 3: The trade was with the Arizona Cardinals, and included the Texans sending their No. 12 pick, No. 33 pick, a 2024 first-round pick, and a 2024 third-round pick in exchange for the No. 3 pick and a 2023 fourth-rounder
Chiefs move from 26 to 10: traded their 27th overall pick, a third-round pick, and their 2018 first-round pick to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for the 10th overall pick
Niners go from 12 to 3: 2021 first-round pick (No. 12 overall), 2022 first-round pick (No. 29 overall), 2022 third-round pick (No. 101 overall), 2023 first-round pick (No. 29 overall)

Say the Steelers just miss the playoffs -- they pick about 17. Say they make the wildcard and lose out -- they pick about 20. Say they really step back and finish 7-10 -- pick about 12.

So the above are some decent comps for what they might need to give up to get into the top tier of draft picks for a QB.

Looking at their 2026 first, 2027 first, and then likely a couple of those third round picks. To me, that means your second round pick (should they be able to hang onto it) NEEDS to be a WR. Which is a giant circle because that is where the picked Pickens.

[steelcityboyz]

GP is massive talent, sucks to lose him. That said I think the Steelers made the right move.

George is a nut case taking plays of,f pouting, and getting stupid unnecessary penalties for fighting and other things only hurt this team.

I was checking out some cowboy boards... they are nervous that Tomlin couldn't make it work with him. He's a cowboy now and as far as I'm concerned they can have him.

[Dwinsgames]

Its a good move. Steelers were not going to extend Pickens, so trade him while you can get something for him. Its going to be unpopular, but they arent winning a Super Bowl this season, so he would be gone anyways.

So they are going to be looking to Austin, Wilson, Woods, to pick up their games and maybe its a chance for another veteran to be added or ROC has a chance to shine in preseason?

if you are not making a run it makes sense otherwise its a dumb move ...

you exhaust 18 months of time trying to find a WR to pair with him , you finally do that so you have a really good duo and then you ship him away after paying the other guy 30 million to have the duo ... the only thing you get in return for all that is a 3rd round pick that you would have gotten as a comp pick and the swap of a 6th for a 5th .... but lots of production lost .... how is that a good move ??????? the only difference in this years WR corp than last years is this years is 28 million dollars more expensive

[Born2Steel]

Maybe..... maybe this can have a Chris Carter type effect. CC tells it that the Eagles shipped him because of his issues. CC had drug issues so not exactly the same as far as we know. But getting cut helped him turn his life around and he ends up in the HoF. Pickens is very talented and very good at the football. I wish him well.

[ETL]

No matter how gifted Pickens is - if he’s a head case - it’s a fatal flaw. He can’t help the team. He only wants individual accolades and he will be a cancer to the team. Tomlin must have concluded this.

there are many “boring” WRs who have been 100x more productive than Pickens. Rod Smith, Jordy Nelson, Amari Cooper, Keenan Allen were never talked about as “physical talents” or “gifted” but they were not head cases and produced way more. These are the players we need. Not flashy superficial nut jobs with no ability for consistent production.

- - - Updated - - -

Maybe..... maybe this can have a Chris Carter type effect. CC tells it that the Eagles shipped him because of his issues. CC had drug issues so not exactly the same as far as we know. But getting cut helped him turn his life around and he ends up in the HoF. Pickens is very talented and very good at the football. I wish him well.

I don’t consider CRis Carter was a head case. And getting cut humbled him. Getting traded if anything will make Pickens crazier

[tube517]

No matter how gifted Pickens is - if he’s a head case - it’s a fatal flaw. He can’t help the team. He only wants individual accolades and he will be a cancer to the team. Tomlin must have concluded this.

there are many “boring” WRs who have been 100x more productive than Pickens. Rod Smith, Jordy Nelson, Amari Cooper, Keenan Allen were never talked about as “physical talents” or “gifted” but they were not head cases and produced way more. These are the players we need. Not flashy superficial nut jobs with no ability for consistent production.

- - - Updated - - -



I don’t consider CRis Carter was a head case. And getting cut humbled him. Getting traded to the Cowboys if anything will make Pickens crazier

fixed it for you

[oneforthetoe]

All these fans on social media that have been begging the Steelers to "tank" and are now complaining because they traded away a player they were never going to sign. I think GP was worth a second, but you were never going to get that unless maybe they held onto him until the trade deadline and that opens up a whole can or worms. Of course, we will likely have to use a 2nd or 3rd round pick on a WR in 2026, but we would have had too anyways, even if we would not have traded GP. The Chiefs traded their best receiver (non-TE) after winning a Superbowl, so I don't think this is all that crazy.

My only issue is don't you think we would have gotten more for GP during the draft? Maybe not.

I also agree it weakens are Wr room for this year but by how much will fall on somebody to step up and be a #2 receiver.