George Pickens’ Rollercoaster Continues in Dallas - And Steelers Fans Have Seen This Story Before
When the Pittsburgh Steelers traded George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys before the 2025 season, it sparked plenty of debate. On talent alone, the move raised eyebrows.
Pickens, a 2022 second-round pick, had flashed All-Pro potential and looked like a budding star. For much of this season, that upside was on full display in Dallas - until recently.
Over the past few weeks, Cowboys fans have started to experience the full George Pickens experience - the highs, the lows, and the head-scratching inconsistency that Steelers fans know all too well.
A Quiet Night Under the Lights
On Sunday Night Football in Week 15, with the national spotlight shining, Pickens was largely a non-factor in the Cowboys’ matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. He finished with just three catches for 33 yards on six targets - a quiet outing in a game where Dak Prescott threw for nearly 300 yards.
Now, one off night doesn’t tell the whole story. But this wasn’t just a blip. It followed what was arguably Pickens’ worst performance in a Cowboys uniform.
Effort Questions Emerge
In Week 14 against the Detroit Lions, Pickens struggled to make an impact - and it wasn’t just about the stat line. His effort was called into question, with several plays showing him jogging through routes or appearing disengaged. Despite being targeted nine times, he finished with only 37 yards.
That kind of body language and inconsistency was part of what frustrated the Steelers during his time in Pittsburgh. And now, it’s starting to show up in Dallas.
The Numbers Paint a Clear Picture
Zoom out a bit, and the trend becomes even more concerning. Over the past three games, Pickens has caught just 14 of 28 targets - a 50% catch rate - for 158 yards.
That’s an average of just 5.6 yards per target. For a receiver with Pickens’ physical gifts and big-play ability, that’s well below expectations.
Dig a little deeper, and the red flags grow. He’s fumbled twice during that span and has been the intended target on two interceptions. According to advanced stats from Pro Football Reference, Prescott has a passer rating of just 37.5 when throwing Pickens’ way over the last three games.
That’s not just a cold streak - that’s a problem.
Steelers Fans Know This Version of Pickens
If you’re a Steelers fan, none of this is surprising. Pickens’ raw talent was never in question in Pittsburgh.
He made highlight-reel catches, showed elite body control, and looked like a future WR1. But the inconsistency - both in production and effort - was a recurring theme.
It’s worth remembering how his 2024 season ended in Pittsburgh. Over his final four games with the Steelers, Pickens managed just 11 catches on 26 targets for 172 yards - a modest 6.6 yards per target. And in a crucial game against the Bengals with playoff implications, he was targeted six times and came away with zero yards.
That kind of disappearing act in big moments left the Steelers with a tough decision. They chose to move on, betting that the inconsistency outweighed the upside. And right now, that decision is looking more and more justified.
Still Young, Still Talented - But Still a Question Mark
Let’s be clear: George Pickens is still just 24 years old. He’s having a solid season overall and remains one of the most physically gifted receivers in the league.
His ceiling is sky-high. But he’s only going to reach that level if the effort and focus match the talent - and that’s been the question mark from the start.
For the Cowboys, the hope is that this recent slump is just a bump in the road. For the Steelers, it’s a reminder of why they were willing to part ways with such a tantalizing talent.
And for fans in Pittsburgh? There’s probably a bit of relief - and maybe even a little vindication - watching from afar as the Pickens saga continues to unfold in Big D.