Cowboys waive WR Seth Williams after trade for George Pickens

The Dallas Cowboys have waived receiver Seth Williams after acquiring George Pickens via trade from the Dallas Cowboys on Wednesday, per Jon Machota of The Athletic. Williams was one 12 wideouts on the roster before the acquisition of Pickens.

The 25-year-old signed to the team’s practice squad this past October. He signed a reserve/futures contract in January. The former Auburn standout has appeared in just two games since entering the league in 2021 as a sixth round pick of the Denver Broncos.

Dallas acquired Pickens and a 2026 sixth round pick from Pittsburgh in exchange for a 2026 third round pick and a 2027 fifth round pick. Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported ahead of Day 2 of this year’s NFL Draft that the Steelers had been receiving calls on the availability of Pickens. At the same time, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said he was working on “pretty substantive trades” that could happen “before or after the draft.” Less than two weeks after the draft, Jones has got his guy.

Pickens appeared in 14 games last season as he missed some time with an injury. During that time, he hauled in 59 receptions for 900 yards and three touchdowns as a key piece of the Steelers’ passing attack. That came after an impressive second year in the NFL in 2023 when he had a career-high 1,140 yards and five touchdowns. His 18.1 yards per reception led the league that season.

His tenure in Pittsburgh was turbulent at times. Pickens has arrived for games and meetings later than requested by coaches, as well as arguing with fans during games. There was plenty of talk about the Steelers possibly moving on from Pickens during last season and now, the Cowboys have decided to be the team that makes the move for him, despite these concerns.

Simply put, Dallas needed a talented wideout to pair alongside CeeDee Lamb. Before the move, Jalen Tolbert was projected to serve as the Cowboys’ No. 2 receiver. There have been rumblings that former Cowboy Amari Cooper could be back for a reunion. That No. 2 spot belongs to Pickens, entering the final year of his rookie deal.

George Pickens trade: NFL insider reveals why Steelers moved on from wide receiver

The blockbuster trade was the main talking point on Wednesday’s “Get Up.” ESPN’s Peter Schrager explained why it went down.

“Well, look, they hired Brian Schottenheimer in the most unorthodox way we’ve seen a head coach be hired in recent years. And that they let their previous coach’s contract just expire. Did not interview all the top other candidates and hired from within,” Schrager said. “And [Schottenheimer], his whole thing has been don’t worry about sizzle. Don’t worry about this. We’re all about culture. Culture, culture, culture. George Pickens has a history of having temper tantrums on the sidelines. And when he doesn’t get the ball, throws his helmet. And does the histrionics when the game is not going his way. 

“So, on paper, you look at this say, ‘Well, what are you about? You about drafting an offensive lineman 12th overall over a skilled position player? Because that’s what we’re going to be, meat and potatoes? Or is this a panic move? Saying, all right, we’re going to trade a third round pick this far from the draft, not knowing what that third round pick will be to go get our number two wide receiver.’”