Can George Pickens Break the Steelers’ WR Curse in Dallas?
The story of George Pickens right now feels like one of the most intriguing subplots in the NFL. Pickens, who was once viewed as the future star of the Pittsburgh Steelers, is now trying to carve out a new identity with the Dallas Cowboys. And the big question hanging over him is whether he can finally escape what many call the “Steelers wide receiver curse.”
For years, talented wideouts have left Pittsburgh only to see their careers unravel. Antonio Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Martavis Bryant, Mike Wallace—each one had flashes of brilliance but stumbled once they were out of black and gold. Emmanuel Sanders is the rare exception, flourishing with the Denver Broncos after leaving the Steelers. Now, the spotlight has shifted to Pickens, who could either break that cycle or become its latest victim.
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Statistically, Pickens has already proven he’s more than capable. Through three seasons in Pittsburgh, he averaged nearly 60 catches, 947 yards, and four touchdowns per year. His breakout came in 2023, when he led the entire NFL with 18.1 yards per catch and logged 1,140 receiving yards. Despite those numbers, the Steelers weren’t convinced he was their long-term guy. Concerns about his attitude and maturity lingered, and in March, they made a blockbuster move for DK Metcalf instead, giving him a huge $33 million-per-year extension.
That decision made Pickens expendable, and by May, he was shipped to Dallas in exchange for mid-round draft picks. For Pickens, though, the trade was described as a blessing. He admitted recently that a “fresh start” was exactly what he needed, saying that sometimes a player’s reputation—good or bad—sticks too long in one place.
Now, his challenge is to fit alongside CeeDee Lamb and give the Cowboys the best receiving tandem they’ve had since Lamb paired with Amari Cooper. If it works, the payoff could be massive. A multi-year deal worth upwards of $25 million per year is within reach. But if immaturity or inconsistency resurfaces, he may be forced into a one-year “prove-it” deal in 2026, just like other receivers who once left Pittsburgh with promise and ended up scrambling for second chances.
In short, this isn’t just about numbers on a stat sheet. It’s about whether George Pickens can take control of his story and finally prove that the so-called Steelers curse doesn’t have to define him.
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