Report: Dallas Cowboys considered Rashod Bateman trade before landing George Pickens

On Wednesday, the Dallas Cowboys traded a a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick the Pittsburgh Steelers for wide receiver George Pickens and 2027 sixth-round pick. However, FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz reported that Pickens wasn’t the only receiver the Cowboys had their eye on.

“During their pursuit of a receiver, the #Cowboys also looked into a trade for #Ravens WR Rashod Bateman,” Schultz wrote on X. “Those talks didn’t go far, and Dallas ultimately struck a post-draft deal with the #Steelers for George Pickens. Dallas’ search for another receiver was a months-long process.”

Bateman finished his fourth year with the Ravens this past season. He had a breakout campaign, recording 45 catches for 756 yards and 9 touchdowns. He recorded his previous season-high during his rookie year when he notched 515 receiving yards.

Bateman signed a new three-year $15 million contract extension through the 2026 season on April 24, 2024. While Bateman is clearly no slouch, George Pickens is far more accomplished at the professional level.

In three years with the Steelers, Pickens amassed 48 appearances and 40 starts. He racked up 2,841 receiving yards and 13 total TDs. Despite Pickens’ impressive statistics, he received a substantial amount of criticism while in Pittsburgh.

Particularly, fans called Pickens’ effort into question after he didn’t block for running back Jaylen Warren on a potential touchdown drive near the goal line in Week 15 of the 2023 campaign. Pickens said he didn’t block because he was trying to avoid suffering an injury.

Pickens also committed several unsportsmanlike conduct penalties while he was a Steeler, which caused some frustration from fans. After the trade was announced, Pickens pulled back the curtain on his perspective.

“This game is just as much a business as it is football,” Pickens said, per Jon Machota of The Athletic. “It’s kinda like out of my control. I’m glad to be here in Dallas and able to continue the winning culture that they have.”

Pickens is entering the final year of his rookie contract. He is seemingly excited to have a chance to thrive in his new environment.

“I’m kinda where my feet are right now, to be honest,” he said. “I’m not really thinking about contract talks. I’m just glad to be with the Cowboys right now, trying to build a winning culture.”