Odd ‘Ugly’ Reaction to the Cowboys’ George Pickens Trade

George Pickens was acquired by the Dallas Cowboys, but not everyone agrees with the trade.

Most people believed that the Dallas Cowboys had to make a trade for Pittsburgh Steelers receiver George Pickens. However, some people believe that the Cowboys are taking a risk with the terms of the pact. Dallas forfeited a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick in exchange for George. That sounds reasonable for a top receiver with a 2025 salary of only $3.6 million, doesn’t it?

Additionally, the Cowboys will receive a compensation pick in the upcoming offseason if they decide not to sign Pickens at the end of the current campaign. Thus, Dallas benefits from this.

However, Matt Verderame of SI has thrown everything related to the Pickens deal in the trash in his article Good, Bad, and Ugly. “In theory, the Dallas Cowboys are the winners here,” argues Verderame. “The Steelers gave them a third-round pick in exchange for a standout receiver on his rookie contract.

The Cowboys might let Pickens depart if they’re unhappy with their experience with him and seek to recover the third-round pick by obtaining a compensatory pick in the 2027 draft. Nevertheless, it’s a dangerous move because a signing might make up for the loss in the compensating formula.

Dallas is a winner in theory, even though it’s all ugly? Alright, hmm. This is how we view the trade. The acquisition was successful if Pickens is the player that many believe he is and helps lead the Cowboys back to the postseason, if not more. Naturally, that will imply that he performs well and signs a new contract the next offseason, which probably won’t be with the Cowboys (but it’s conceivable).

It’s okay. After receiving its compensatory pick, Dallas can proceed with its offseason plans without facing any financial consequences. (And it’s naïve to assume the Cowboys will fail at the comp pick formula; they’ve gotten so good at it that they overemphasize it.) That seems like a win-win situation for the franchise. Yes, this bargain is a dart throw, if you will, but the potential rewards make it worthwhile. Furthermore, that is not the same as a “ugly” move.