Does George Pickens’ Arrival Make the Cowboys a Playoff Team?
It’s been a week since the Dallas Cowboys acquired wide receiver George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers, a move that filled a major need left unaddressed during the NFL Draft. With Pickens in the mix, Dallas now has a true second receiving option alongside CeeDee Lamb, which significantly upgrades their offense.
Before this trade, the Cowboys weren’t widely seen as playoff contenders. Their offense, relying primarily on Lamb and tight end Jake Ferguson, was considered too limited—especially with questions surrounding the running back position. However, adding Pickens changes the outlook. Over three seasons in Pittsburgh, Pickens recorded 2,841 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns on 174 catches, showing consistent production as a reliable target.
Pickens’ presence will draw defensive attention, likely creating more opportunities for Lamb and possibly improving the effectiveness of the run game. If Pickens continues to produce at his usual level—averaging nearly 950 yards and four touchdowns per season—he’ll fill the void left by Amari Cooper and the decline of Michael Gallup.
That said, there are concerns. Pickens is entering the final year of his contract, and if he doesn’t re-sign with Dallas, he could end up being a short-term rental. While the team would receive a compensatory pick if he leaves, the Cowboys are also hoping to break the trend of former Steelers receivers who declined after leaving Pittsburgh—such as Chase Claypool and Martavis Bryant. The team hopes Pickens will be the exception.
Ultimately, the success of this trade will play a large role in determining whether Dallas reaches the postseason in 2025. With Pickens in the lineup, their playoff hopes have improved. But how far they go will depend on more than just one new addition—it will require a fully functioning offense and strong performances across the board. For now, however, optimism is rising in Dallas.
