The 2nd round pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, WR George Pickens, showed raw emotions even during his rookie season. During the week 13 game against the Falcons, the receiver had a sideline spat with the coach. Reason? He wanted the ball, but the game ended with only two targets, in which he caught one. But then, Mike Tomlin downplayed his eagerness for the ball. Over the next two seasons, we saw multiple instances when the coach and the receiver had internal tensions. It finally led to his trade to the Cowboys in May 2025.

The deal sent Pickens and a 2027 sixth-rounder to Dallas in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick. The move didn’t exactly come off as a shocker, given the Steelers had already signed DK Metcalf in a historic contract. And Pickens’ history with frequent run-ins with discipline, emotional outbursts, and sideline scuffles didn’t exactly help the cause either.

Since then, multiple theories have been put forward about the trade. While some analysts are saying that Tomlin was fed up and wanted to move on. Other contrary reports suggest that Aaron Rodgers, the upcoming Steelers quarterback (rumored), was behind the trade. Whatever the exact reason, a Cowboys legend blamed the coach for not handling the receiver properly during his stint.

While talking to NFL insiders Jane Slater and Steve Wyche on May 9, Dez Bryant threw Mike Tomlin under the bus. He said, “He’s (George Pickens) a playmaker. He wants the ball. And when you got a guy like that with such raw talent, you got to get him the ball. Pittsburgh — they didn’t do a great job of doing that.”

Let’s compare his numbers over the years.

2022: 17 games (12 starters), 84 targets, 52 receptions, 15.4 yards per receptions

2023: 17 games (16 starters), 106 targets, 63 receptions, 18.1 yards per receptions

2024: 14 games (12 starters), 103 targets, 59 receptions, 15.3 yards per receptions

George Pickens had his best performance in 2023 when he got 106 targets. Cowboys WR1 CeeDee Lamb’s lowest targets in his rookie year (2020) were 111. So, the Steelers did fail to hand over the ball to their receiver. And it made him angry. Bryant defended the WR, claiming anyone who understands the game will feel the same.

However, he also defended the 24-year-old’s boss, Jerry Jones. After a long time, the fans believe that he has made the right decision.

Cowboys star praises owner for Mike Tomlin’s WR

“That is unlike the Cowboys. And to see the Cowboys go out and get a playmaker like that says a lot about where they’re trying to go this year,” said the legend while revealing his stance on the trade-in. He also feels that America’s Team is finally moving in the right direction to end their 3-decade drought.

Even the players are happy. WR1 CeeDee Lamb shared a tweet, showing a cartoon shaking hands. George Pickens also shared excitement, claiming he was happy to play whatever role they would give him. He wants to be back on the field.

While praising Jerry Jones and other front office executives, Bryant added, “Fans including myself — hey, we got to give Mr. Jones, Stephen Jones, Will McClay, all them guys — they’re going out, they’re doing what they’re supposed to do to make this team better. They went out and got Dak a hell of a piece.” That’s right.

Indeed, Pickens and McClay can together form a strong offensive tandem for the Cowboys. Largely known for his vertical threat, Pickens could complement McClay’s role. In George Pickens, Dak Prescott also has a receiver who can light up the field at any moment. The emotions also help him elevate his game. The Steelers’ GM Omar Khan also tried to downplay the hype and criticism of Mike Tomlin around the trade, claiming it was in the best interest of both sides. The game is on!