Philadelphia Eagles second-year defensive backs Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean are in for a tough challenge at least twice in 2025, thanks to the Dallas Cowboys’ latest trade move.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports Wednesday morning that the Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers are finalizing a trade deal to send star wide receiver George Pickens to Dallas.
"ESPN sources: Dallas and Pittsburgh are working to finalize a trade that will send wide receiver George Pickens to the Cowboys in exchange for draft pick compensation. The trade is expected to be finalized today," Schefter writes.
Schefter adds that the Cowboys will send a 2026 third-round and 2027 fifth-round pick to the Steelers and receive a 2027 sixth-round pick in return.
Pickens, 24, hauled in 59 catches for 900 yards and three touchdowns last season. He’s consistently produced for the Steelers, recording at least 50 receptions, 800 yards, and three touchdowns in each of his three seasons with the team.
As if the Cowboys weren’t already tough to slow down, Mitchell and DeJean will have even more on their plate now.
The silver lining? They’re coming in with valuable experience after stepping into starting roles as rookies.
Mitchell, the Eagles' 2024 first-round pick, finished his rookie season with 46 total tackles, two interceptions, and 12 pass breakups. Quarterbacks completed 54.5 percent of passes and two touchdowns all season versus Mitchell. He wrapped up the year ranked sixth among all NFL cornerbacks, per PFF, and was named a Defensive Rookie of the Year Finalist.
DeJean, Philly's 2024 second-round pick, was also a 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist after he finished the regular season with five pass breakups and held his opponents to 50 total receptions. He then logged his first interception for a touchdown in the Eagles' Super Bowl LIX win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
While slowing down Pickens won’t be easy, it’s a challenge both Eagles defenders are more than capable of figuring out.
