The Dallas Cowboys had a strong 2025 NFL Draft as they focused on a best player available approach, picking multiple Day 2 and Day 3 players that can earn big roles in their first year in the league.
However, the team's overwhelming need for wide receiver was left unattended in each of their nine picks. Prior to the Draft, Jerry Jones revealed the team was looking into two "pretty substantive" trades, which many assumed would be at positions of need like wide receiver.
When reports of the Pittsburgh Steelers taking calls on standout receiver George Pickens, speculation began to emerge on whether the Cowboys would consider parting ways with a significant draft pick to land the talents of the fourth-year wideout seeking a new deal.
Cowboys had discussions with AFC North team about veteran WR
Following the Draft, insider Todd Archer from ESPN is adding fuel to the fire by reporting the Cowboys had discussions with an unnamed AFC North team regarding a potential trade.
“Leading up to the draft, the Cowboys had discussions with an AFC North team regarding a veteran wide receiver, but nothing came to fruition, according to multiple sources," wrote Archer for ESPN.
Though unnamed, it's hard to assume the report is pointing toward anyone else other than Pickens. The Baltimore Ravens' Rashod Bateman and Tylan Wallace or the Cincinnati Bengals' Andrei Iosiavas could make sense but unlike with Pickens, reports haven't suggested they're available.
In his first three years in the league, Pickens has averaged 947 receiving yards per season and has become a deep-play specialist. He led the NFL in yards per reception in 2023 with 18.1. He's a contested catch monster and while he's been criticized for lacking more ways to win and evolve into a complete WR1, he could be a great WR2, which Pittsburgh probably expects him to be behind D.K. Metcalf.
Could a trade for George Pickens still happen?
Unfortunately for the Cowboys, with the Draft in the rearview mirror, it would be very complicated to strike a deal for him. The front office could always give up significant draft capital for next year's Draft but the Steelers might not be willing to part ways with Pickens for such a delayed return.
And frankly, chances are Dallas wouldn't be interested in extending Pickens a year from now. What is true is the Cowboys need to do something about their WR room and they need to do it quickly.
