George Pickens has been a hot topic for the last couple of days after it was announced that the Pittsburgh Steelers have traded him to the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys apparently reached out to the Steelers asking for Pickens in exchange for their pick in the 2026 NFL draft. The move was definitely shocking for many NFL analysts who felt that Pickens indeed came with plenty of baggage in terms of a controversial past.
ESPN sportscaster, Peter Schrager, threw more light on what might have caused George Pickens to move to the Cowboys, despite having a decent home in the Steelers. According to Schrager’s recent appearance on the ‘The Pat McAfee Show’, money might have been the main motive behind Pickens’ move as he felt that the Steelers would not have been ready to pay more money to the wide receiver.
“Pickens wasn’t a disliked player in that building. Now, he was late for certain things, and there were issues on game day with him getting frustrated with the quarterback play and wanting the ball. But to a man, everyone in Pittsburgh was like, he shows up, he works hard, he blocks his ass off, and he can still play. They weren’t going to pay him the big money that he was going to be due at the end of this season. And they figured they could move on. Now, they did pay the money to DK Metcalf.”Peter Schrager explained on ‘The Pat McAfee Show’ about George Pickens’ trade to the Dallas Cowboys.
“George Pickens wasn’t a disliked player in that Steelers building..
The Steelers weren’t gonna pay him big money after this season but they did like him” @PSchrags #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/pD2UlRcHoY
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 8, 2025
George Pickens joined the NFL after the Pittsburgh Steelers selected him as the 52nd pick in the second round of the 2022 draft. In his last season with the NFL, Pickens contributed 59 receptions for 900 yards, scoring three touchdowns.
Oct 6, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) breaks a tackle by Dallas Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis (2) during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Oct 6, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) breaks a tackle by Dallas Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis (2) during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
George Pickens’ Trade Reveals Jerry Jones Attitude, Says Colin Cowherd
On another note, George Pickens’ trade to the Dallas Cowboys reveals plenty about the team owner, Jerry Jones according to Colin Cowherd. On his show, Cowherd remarked that Jones had a savior complex about himself and would bring in anyone who would tell him a sad story about wanting a spot with the team.
Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) reacts after a catch against the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) reacts after a catch against the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
Cowherd also admitted that the team might be making a mistake in bringing in George Pickens to their roster, especially since the wide receiver has a controversial past. Pickens has been in trouble before for not coming to training on time and for also getting in squabbles on the field with an opponent player.
George Pickens
Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) makes a catch against the Baltimore Ravens in the third quarter in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
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