Wide receiver George Pickens has secured a fresh start for the 2025 NFL season after being traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Dallas Cowboys earlier this offseason. This move has sparked optimism among analysts who believe Pickens will thrive in Dallas thanks to a combination of improved quarterback play and more favorable coverage.

During his three years with the Steelers, Pickens posted 174 receptions, accumulating 2,841 yards and 12 touchdowns, but his performance was considered inconsistent. NFL insider John Daigle recently expressed enthusiasm about Pickens’ prospects with Dallas, saying that he expects the wide receiver to benefit greatly from the change in environment and quarterback.

John Daigle Sees Increased Opportunities with Dak Prescott

On the Ross Tucker Podcast, Daigle highlighted how George Pickens will face less difficult coverage and will be targeted with more precise throws than ever before in his career. He compared Pickens’ situation to that of Darnell Mooney, who experienced a major boost in performance after moving from Justin Fields to Kirk Cousins at quarterback.

“George Pickens is finally going to get easier coverage for the first time in his career with the most accurate targets he’s ever received in his entire career. So I love the upside of changing the spectrum for George Pickens. Kind of like how we did for Darnell Mooney last year. Going from Justin Fields to Kirk Cousins, and it paid off significantly.” —John Daigle, NFL Analyst

The trade, executed on May 7, involved the Cowboys acquiring Pickens along with a 2027 sixth-round pick, while the Steelers received a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick. This exchange reflects Dallas’s commitment to bolstering their receiving corps ahead of the new season.

Off-Field Concerns and Aaron Rodgers’ Arrival Influenced the Trade

While Pickens’ on-field ability remains respected, many analysts believe that off-field behavioral concerns played a significant role in Pittsburgh’s decision to trade him. NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler noted that the Steelers’ locker room and front office were aware of Pickens’ maturity issues, which contributed to their assessment about team chemistry.

“His maturity issues were well-known within Pittsburgh’s locker room and front office,” Fowler wrote. “So, the Steelers made the evaluation that Pickens and Rodgers probably would not hit it off.” —Jeremy Fowler, NFL Reporter

Fowler’s comments suggest that the signing of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers led the Steelers to seek a steadier, more harmonious offensive unit, prompting them to move on from Pickens despite his talent.

Looking Ahead: What George Pickens’ Future with Dallas Might Hold

The Dallas Cowboys appear poised to provide George Pickens with the most accurate passing targets and less challenging defensive matchups he has faced so far in his career. Playing alongside Dak Prescott, Pickens is expected to have the opportunity to elevate his game and become a more productive weapon in the Cowboys’ offense.

This transition marks a pivotal moment for Pickens, whose success in Dallas could reshape his trajectory in the NFL and validate the team’s investment in his potential.