NFL Rumors: Jerry Jones Starts ‘Big Trade’ to Snatch Mike Tomlin’s Key Weapon for Steelers

Is it even an interesting offseason until Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones drops subtle hints about big trades? Hints that make the entire league wonder what America’s team is up to now. The Cowboys have the No. 12 overall pick this year, meaning they will have a good chance of selecting top prospects. But the team is often known for trading its early picks. Former Cowboys legend Michael Irvin urges the Cowboys brass to move up in the trade and select fresh talent from the top 10 prospects. But the team’s EVP of player personnel, Stephen Jones, does not “necessarily see them moving up.”

On Tuesday, Jerry Jones appeared before the media for a pre-draft conference. The 82-year-old further confirmed what his son Stephen had said earlier about their draft strategy. Stephen talked about the possibility of moving down in the draft because the team has found success in recent years with that strategy. Exhibit? The Cowboys drafted Micah Parsons (12th overall) in recent years by trading away their early picks.

During Tuesday’s media conference, Jerry also hinted at a similar possibility, saying, “We’re looking at two things that could happen before or after the draft. Two pretty substantive trades. Been working on [them] today.” Interestingly, out of thin air, Steelers WR George Pickens‘ name has appeared as a possible trade prospect.

Per @CharlesRobinson on @937theFan NFL teams are wondering if the Cowboys are trying to trade for George Pickens. After Jerry Jones comments saying he’s working on a “big trade.”

Robinson: “I think George Pickens is available.”

— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) April 22, 2025

Drafted in 2022 as the 52nd overall pick, Pickens is in the final year of his rookie contract. The WR had signed a four-year rookie deal worth $6.75 million. The draft is only two days away, and so far, there have been no talks about Pickens’ contract extension. Teams generally sign extensions with players they want to retain before the draft kicks off. There have been no updates about Pittsburgh holding any discussions with the 24-year-old. That is the reason several analysts have been predicting that Jerry Jones’ “big trade” might involve acquiring Pickens from Mike Tomlin‘s team.

If this trade happens, the Steelers would be losing their key weapon from the offensive line.

Is Jerry Jones plotting a George Pickens heist?

A potential George Pickens trade starts to make more sense when you consider the Steelers’ recent move. That is signing DK Metcalf to a four-year, $132 million deal, according to Spotrac. While GM Omar Khan and HC Mike Tomlin have clarified that Metcalf’s arrival isn’t a replacement move, and that they still want Pickens on the roster, it’s hard to ignore the shift.

Signing a star like Metcalf was, as they claim, about adding depth, but in the NFL, depth moves can change a lot more than just the lineup. In the 2024 season, Pickens recorded 58 receptions for 900 yards and three TDs in 13 games he played. In the playoff game against the Ravens, the 24-year-old caught five passes for 87 yards and scored a TD. If the Cowboys trade to acquire him, they could put him alongside CeeDee Lamb to bolster their WR game. 

But like we mentioned earlier, the Steelers didn’t sound like they were open to trading their WR1. At the pre-draft presser, Omar Khan, when asked about a Pickens trade, said, “No. I mean, we’re glad we have George and DK here. I think they’re gonna be exciting for everyone to watch. Excited to have DK here, but no.“

But as several analysts predict, even though the Steelers may not trade George this season, they could look to move him next year. So, what do you think, who could be Jerry Jones’ big trade prospect then, if not Pickens?

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