The NFL draft is always full of surprises.  This time, it was the Steelers who caused a stir.  They put wide receiver George Pickens up for grabs.  Other teams found this idea pretty amusing.  They laughed at the thought of having Pickens in their locker room.  This was not the first time Pickens had caused a stir.  He had a history of controversial behavior.

     Pickens had been on the trading block before.  The Steelers had tried to trade him during the draft.  But no one was interested.  The Steelers had already traded away their second-round pick to Seattle for DK Metcalf.  So, they didn't have much to offer in return.  This made it hard to find a trade partner.

     Pickens' behavior had been a topic of discussion.  In December, he showed up late for a game against the Chiefs.  He also had a heated exchange with fans during a January game.  His actions drew criticism from his coach, Mike Tomlin.  Tomlin advised Pickens to "grow up" and handle the pressure of being a target.  Fans noticed Pickens had stopped following the Steelers on social media.  This fueled speculation about his future with the team.

     The Cowboys saw an opportunity.  They traded for Pickens, giving up a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-rounder.  Pickens is now set to play with Dak Prescott.  He is eager to prove himself to the Cowboys' management.  He is in the final year of his rookie contract.  He hopes to secure a long-term deal with the team.

     Pickens had a solid season last year.  He caught 59 passes for 900 yards and three touchdowns.  The season before, he had even better numbers: 63 receptions, 1, 140 receiving yards, and five touchdowns.  His performance on the field speaks for itself.  But his off-field behavior has been a concern.

     The Steelers now face another challenge.  They need to find a starting quarterback.  Aaron Rodgers has been linked to the team.  But he has not made a decision about his future.  The team has re-signed Mason Rudolph and drafted Will Howard.  But neither has proven to be a reliable starter.

     The NFL is a tough business.  Teams have to make tough decisions.  Sometimes, it's about talent.  Other times, it's about fit.  Pickens has the talent.  But his behavior has been a problem.  The Cowboys are taking a chance on him.  Only time will tell if it pays off.

The Big Trade-Off: George Pickens' Journey from Pittsburgh to Dallas

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