The team traded George Pickens and a 2027 sixth-round pick to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick. This gives the Cowboys someone to put next to CeeDee Lamb, and gives the Steelers more draft capital for the future.

Former NFL wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh believes that George Pickens’ antics with the Pittsburgh Steelers were enough for them to move on from him. Houshmandzadeh says he knows people who play on the team, and he would consistently be late for events, including the team’s plane and bus departures.

George Pickens called out Pittsburgh Steelers fans for spreading "lies" following his trade to the Dallas Cowboys. "Literally on a plane. No service. Just landed and seen straight lies from Pitt fans," Pickens wrote." Stop with the AI trying to make a story. I'm happy for everything the Steel city did for me."