The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly trading WR George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys, but the trade wasn’t because Pickens asked for one. Mark Kaboly of The Pat McAfee Show tweeted in the aftermath of the trade that the trade was because the organization felt like it was time to move on and Pickens did not request a trade.

“The organization felt it was time to move on. My understanding is that Pickens didn’t request the trade.”

ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler reported last week that Pickens “flirted” with a trade request, but wanted to remain in Pittsburgh and move forward with the Steelers. With Pickens entering the last year of his contract and it seeming highly unlikely that he would get a new contract from the team, they opted to move on and get draft pick compensation for the embattled receiver.

Pickens’ attitude has been an issue at the forefront of his tenure with the Steelers, as he got into multiple altercations after games last year with opposing players, and also reportedly showed up late to the team’s Christmas Day game against the Kansas City Chiefs. He’s also racked up thousands in fines from the team and the league.

With Pickens unlikely to remain in Pittsburgh long-term, the Steelers moved on, even if it wasn’t by Pickens’ volition. The team acquired WR DK Metcalf earlier this offseason, and instead of rolling with an offense that featured both Pickens and Metcalf, the Steelers will have a receiver room that looks similar to the one they trotted out last season, with one clear No. 1 and then a room that’s very similar to last year, with Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson. Robert Woods could be an upgrade in the passing game over Van Jefferson, and Metcalf is an upgrade over Pickens, but the makeup of the room is similar.

The trade with Dallas for Pickens was in the works during the 2025 NFL Draft, but they weren’t able to get it done. Per The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the Cowboys came back with an improved offer, and the Steelers decided to move Pickens.

The timing of the trade occurring after the draft is interesting, but the Steelers were able to get a Day 2 pick next season with another third-round pick, and it’s a draft where the Steelers could be looking to move up for a franchise quarterback. The trade gives them more ammo to potentially do so, and gets them compensation for an embattled receiver without a long-term future in Pittsburgh.