The Dallas Cowboys explored a trade for Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman before ultimately acquiring Pittsburgh's George Pickens, according to Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz. Their search for a receiver to pair with CeeDee Lamb was a “months-long process,” per Schultz.

Pickens' time with the Steelers was marred by what were described as "maturity and accountability" issues, collecting over $200,000 in NFL and team fines in 2024 alone. Multiple reports out of Pittsburgh said head coach Mike Tomlin had to publicly reprimand Pickens more than once.