Steelers GM Omar Khan explains decision to trade George Pickens to Dallas Cowboys
Just a couple of days after dealing the team’s star wide receiver in a blockbuster trade to the Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan spoke with reporters about the decision to move on from George Pickens.
In a brief session, Khan laid out the timeline that began with the Steelers fielding calls from various teams around the draft in mid-April on Pickens’ availability.
“There was just nothing there that was exciting,” Khan said about the offers on the table.
One of those offers was from Dallas. But after some time passed following the draft, the two sides reconnected over getting a deal done.
“The trade sort of happened quickly,” Khan said. “We had some people inquire during the draft, nothing that really made sense. Cowboys reached out earlier this week, proposed something for us to think about.”
The trade for Pickens became official on Wednesday. As Dallas added a reliable second receiving option to pair with CeeDee Lamb, the Cowboys gave up a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round selection. They also received a 2026 sixth-round pick.
While it did come together quickly on the Steelers’ side, multiple parties were involved, including Pickens’ representation.
“We had conversations internally and we had conversations with George’s agent,” Khan said. “We discussed where things have been with George, where they are and where they could go. This trade made sense for everyone.”
Pickens said on Thursday on a conference call with Dallas reporters that he never requested a trade despite buzz suggesting otherwise. Khan confirmed that statement on Friday.
“I was never told he wanted to leave,” he said.
After acquiring wide receiver D.K. Metcalf in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks earlier this offseason, the availability of Pickens was clear to the rest of the league. After multiple conversations between both sides, a move was decided by the franchise.
“We had a lot of serious conversations, honest conversations,” Khan said. “We felt that a fresh start for both sides was the right thing.”
“I wouldn’t use the word disappointment. We had three years with George, and we had some exciting times. It was just time for a fresh start for both sides.”
This story was originally published May 9, 2025 at 3:54 PM.
