The Dallas Cowboys made waves this offseason by acquiring George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers in a notable trade.
Dallas sent a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick to Pittsburgh while receiving Pickens and a 2027 sixth-round pick in return.
The acquisition brought talent but also controversy as Pickens continues generating headlines away from the field.
In a social media exchange that was later deleted, the wide receiver responded to a fan by openly criticizing his former team and claiming he orchestrated his own departure from Pittsburgh.
“New Cowboys WR George Pickens claims he FORCED the Steelers to trade him this offseason: ‘I forced buddy. They were gladly keeping me … have a nice day and a blessed one my guy.’ Pickens has since deleted his comment,” Dov Kleiman shared.
Wow: New Cowboys WR George Pickens claims he FORCED the Steelers to trade him this offseason:
“I forced buddy . They were gladly keeping me … have a nice day and a blessed one my guy.”
Pickens has since deleted his comment 😳 pic.twitter.com/5BNtbAAmnw
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) June 1, 2025
The statement contradicted what Pickens said during his first press conference with Dallas. At that event, he presented a different narrative about the trade circumstances.
He acknowledged that football operates as both a sport and a business while expressing enthusiasm about joining the Cowboys and contributing to their winning culture.
The reality of who initiated the trade matters less than what both teams accomplish moving forward.
Pickens brings solid production after recording 59 catches for 900 yards and three touchdowns across 14 games in his third NFL season with Pittsburgh.
His transition to Dallas represents more than a simple roster move.
The change provides Pickens an opportunity to redefine his career trajectory in a new environment. Success with the Cowboys could elevate his status significantly within the league.
