Steelers in negotiations to trade wide receiver George Pickens to Dallas, confirms Associated Press source
Unleashing Change in the NFL: The George Pickens Trade Saga
Steel City shakes as Steelers swap star wideout, George Pickens, for draft picks with the Dallas Cowboys. The deal's glimmering ink isn't even dry yet, but the buzz is profound.
As of this moment, the trade is yet to be officially sealed, but sources close to the Associated Press have spilled the beans. The deal, in the works, will see Pickens swap his Pittsburgh threads for the star-studded Cowboys' jersey in exchange for draft compensation.
The rumblings about the potential trade first echoed amongst the sports fraternity courtesy of ESPN.
Pickens, a 24-year-old talents-a-plenty, is poised to enter the final leg of the rookie deal he signed with the Steelers back in 2022 when they drafted the former Georgia standout in the second round. His time with the Steelers has been a stirring blend of productivity and petulance, oscillating between breathtaking catches and immature outbursts.
The Steelers, particularly head coach Mike Tomlin, have repeatedly stood by Pickens even as he navigated the labyrinth of NFL life, often citing growing pains as the culprit. Yet, the latest dance seems to signal the Steelers may have run out of patience.
Pickens has been a whirlwind on the field, leading the league in average yards per catch in 2023 and boasting 174 receptions, 2,841 yards, and 12 scores in 48 games. However, his off-field antics and questionable decisions have raised eyebrows.
His temper Tantrums with opposing defensive backs last season, a facial mask grab, and a dust-up with Cleveland's Greg Newsome II are just a few examples of his volatile nature. He's also copped heat for lax downfield blocking and an expletive-laced gaffe against the Cowboys, a rule he claims he was blissfully unaware of at the time.
Despite his dazzling on-field performance, the Steelers appeared unenthusiastic about offering him a contract extension, making him a prime candidate for the trade block. The Steelers upped the ante in March when they acquired two-time Pro Bowler DK Metcalf, whom they swiftly locked up with a five-year deal.
The Cowboys, brimming with a need for a downfield threat to complement star CeeDee Lamb, stand to benefit from Pickens' acquisition. Their secondary receiver last season was tight end Jake Ferguson, with Jalen Tolbert's modest 49 receptions a distant third.
As the Steelers bid Pickens adieu, they stand to gain draft pick compensation, which can be deployed to fortify their roster in upcoming drafts. The move to trade Pickens, given the Steelers' initial interest in extending him, hints at a calculated decision.
Stay tuned as more details about this blockbuster trade unfold!
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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
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