Not George Pickens - this was the receiver Jerry Jones wanted in Dallas in 2025
The Cowboys traded the Steelers for wide receiver George Pickens, adding a weapon to the offense. But apparently he wasn’t their top choice.
The Dallas Cowboys made a bold move last week, trading the Pittsburgh Steelers for wide receiver George Pickens. There is a lot of excitement amongst fans for the dynamic duo that is Pickens and CeeDee Lamb on the Cowboys’ offense.
As it turns out, however, Pickens wasn’t actually Jerry Jones’ first choice for a WR2 in Dallas.
Jerry wanted Ravens WR
The Cowboys knew they needed to bolster their offense this offseason and when they didn’t draft a wide receiver in April, there was some concern. But in the end, they made the blockbuster trade for Pickens. Before that though, the Cowboys were reportedly pursuing Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman.
The Cowboys attempted to trade for Ravens WR Rashod Bateman but talks “didn’t go far” per, @Schultz_Report.
— Ravens Nation 𝙇𝙄𝙑𝙀 (@LIVERavenNation) May 9, 2025
They weren’t letting him go. pic.twitter.com/ZxlXxcb76l
Bateman would have given quarterback Dak Prescott a slightly more polished weapon to throw to. His stats last season were some of the best in his career - second on the team in receiving yards (756) and scoring nine touchdowns. In the postseason, Bateman contributed two more touchdowns.
In his four seasons in the league, Bateman has dealt with injuries, but still managed impressive stats - 138 receptions, 1,923 yards, and 13 touchdowns.
Talks between the Cowboys and Bateman, however, quickly fizzled, and the Cowboys instead decided to pursue Pickens. Pickens is entering his fourth year in the league, and despite unstable quarterback play in Pittsburgh, he’s managed to have impressive seasons. There are some valid concerns about Pickens’ maturity level, but if he can show he’s learned to handle his emotions, he’ll be the perfect sidekick to Lamb in 2025.
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