Steelers' Omar Khan Revealing The Details Of His Conversation With George Pickens Ahead Of Cowboys Trade

The Pittsburgh Steelers made the difficult decision to part ways with star wide receiver George Pickens on Wednesday as the team traded him to the Dallas Cowboys. The trade has been considered controversial to some members of Pittsburgh's fan base as Pickens was beloved by many, but the move seemed necessary for internal reasons. Pittsburgh was able to acquire a third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, while the organization also gave up a 2027 sixth-round pick in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the same year. 

Pickens has been fairly problematic ever since arriving in Pittsburgh. He produced some exciting plays, but his behavior on and off the field was heavily scrutinized. He is entering the final year of his rookie deal, which is part of the reason the decision was made when it was. Pittsburgh was able to gain some draft capital rather than letting him leave in free agency following the 2025 season. Pickens never requested the trade, and General Manager Omar Khan provided some behind-the-scenes details to the media during a scrum on Friday.

After the trade was announced, it seemed like Pickens and his team had no part in the decision. After Khan's comments, it is clear that both sides were in agreement that it was best to part ways. 

"Lots of serious conversations, honest conversations. We just felt that a fresh start for both sides was the right thing," Khan explained.

Pittsburgh had no intensions of extending Pickens, and it was best to give the wide receiver a fresh start going into a contract year.

Pickens is surely excited about his new opportunity in Dallas. It is the first time in his career that he will be catching passes from an established starting quarterback still in his prime in Dak Prescott. He will also be lining up opposite CeeDee Lamb, who is widely considered one of best players at the position in the league. The two offensive weapons should be able to open things up for one another, which could lead to the best season of Pickens' young career.

Many fans were upset by the news that the organization was trading Pickens, as Pittsburgh struggled at the position in 2024. He was the only true threat lining up out wide. The Steelers acquired DK Metcalf via trade ahead of free agency in 2025, which was a significant upgrade to the room alongside Pickens. Now, the fear is that the room is just another version of what it was in 2024, except it is Metcalf in the main role with Pickens landing in Dallas.

The Steelers have plenty of time to add to the wide receiver position before the 2025 season kicks off, whether that be through a trade or through free agency.

Steelers' Omar Khan Can Still Improve Receiving Corps

The Pickens trade is considered questionable, especially since the Steelers did not add any new wide receivers during the 2025 NFL Draft. However, there can still be some new faces at the position in 2025. Players like Amari Cooper and Keenan Allen are still available on the open market, and there are multiple avenues Pittsburgh could explore when it comes to a trade.

One team to watch would be the Green Bay Packers. Green Bay added two wide receivers in the front half of the draft in April, and they have a handful of wide receivers with starting-capability already on the roster. Romeo Doubs is a name that has been floated around, while Dontayvion Wicks could also be considered. There should be other names around the league that could become available via trade as the 2025 season grows closer, and Pittsburgh could wait to make a move.

What do you think about Khan's comments on the trade with Dallas? Let us know in the comments below!

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