Pickens appears to be a poor risk

[Diehardblues]

Not only are we giving up a 3rd and a 5th next year but we basically are signing him for only one season. On a team that isn’t one player away.

His rookie deal runs out and why Steelers traded him as he seems unwilling to negotiate. On top of that he’s a head case. His emotions are difficult to keep in check.

He was fined for using an expletive on his eye black against the Cowboys. He also drew wide spread criticism in 2023 for what could generously be described as the attentive downfield blocking for his teammates.

Considering his volatility, the Steelers didn’t seem interested in signing Pickens to a contract extension running out of patience for the talented but mercurial former 2nd round pick. A 3rd and 5th looks like they found an anxious taker.

 

[Majic]

Not only are we giving up a 3rd and a 5th next year but we basically are signing him for only one season. On a team that isn’t one player away.

His rookie deal runs out and why Steelers traded him as he seems unwilling to negotiate. On top of that he’s a head case. His emotions are difficult to keep in check.

He was fined for using an expletive on his eye black against the Cowboys. He also drew wide spread criticism in 2023 for what could generously be described as the attentive downfield blocking for his teammates.

Considering his volatility, the Steelers didn’t seem interested in signing Pickens to a contract extension running out of patience for the talented but mercurial former 2nd round pick. A 3rd and 5th looks like they found an anxious taker.

Couldn't agree more. Listening to Matt Williamson on his podcast who works on/off for the Steelers he didn't doubt is ability but said no one in the Steelers organisation wanted to hang around with him.

 

[JW82]

If he's awful, which I doubt, and leaves after the season and signs elsewhere, he'll probably land them a 2027 5th rd comp pick. If he's very good and leaves he'll probably land them a 2027 3rd rd comp pick. Hey if Brian is going to be the king of culture and all that, they need to be able to handle a non perfect citizen player. His skills are undeniable. If he falls in line, they'll find the money to keep him and have a top 5 duo for a few years. I am perfectly fine with the risk/reward factor.

 

[FoxF]

We needed another playmaker, something to get excited about. I am tired of worrying about the salary cap, it’s all a facade anyways.

 

[RonWashington]

Not only are we giving up a 3rd and a 5th next year but we basically are signing him for only one season. On a team that isn’t one player away.

His rookie deal runs out and why Steelers traded him as he seems unwilling to negotiate. On top of that he’s a head case. His emotions are difficult to keep in check.

He was fined for using an expletive on his eye black against the Cowboys. He also drew wide spread criticism in 2023 for what could generously be described as the attentive downfield blocking for his teammates.

Considering his volatility, the Steelers didn’t seem interested in signing Pickens to a contract extension running out of patience for the talented but mercurial former 2nd round pick. A 3rd and 5th looks like they found an anxious taker.

Voch Lombardi & Broadus were gushing over him saying he was a # 1 type WR . I would not have traded for him if I couldn’t get an extension on the rookie deal otherwise next season you’re looking at WR again minus your third rounder . I think the other pick they gave up is the 27 draft , hopefully .

 

[Aven8]

Everyone. And I mean everyone in sports media yesterday say we won this trade. They are talking more about how bad it was for Pitts than how good it was for us.

The plan was to take Tet at 12. Carolina killed that deal so they now have a fantastic Guard, and got a seasoned WR for a 3rd. People talk about the Diva antics, but everyone agrees he brings to to the field. He’s a heck of a blocker as well.

 

[rambo2]

Not only are we giving up a 3rd and a 5th next year but we basically are signing him for only one season. On a team that isn’t one player away.

His rookie deal runs out and why Steelers traded him as he seems unwilling to negotiate. On top of that he’s a head case. His emotions are difficult to keep in check.

He was fined for using an expletive on his eye black against the Cowboys. He also drew wide spread criticism in 2023 for what could generously be described as the attentive downfield blocking for his teammates.

Considering his volatility, the Steelers didn’t seem interested in signing Pickens to a contract extension running out of patience for the talented but mercurial former 2nd round pick. A 3rd and 5th looks like they found an anxious taker.

He gives the team production and if he signs with another team they get a comp pick back. They got the best available receiver in the league on a contract year.

 

[rambo2]

Voch Lombardi & Broadus were gushing over him saying he was a # 1 type WR . I would not have traded for him if I couldn’t get an extension on the rookie deal otherwise next season you’re looking at WR again minus your third rounder . I think the other pick they gave up is the 27 draft , hopefully .

You did not finish the math. You get back a comp pick in your equation which could be a 3rd or a 4th.

 

[Creeper]

I would hope the Cowboys talked to Pickens or his agent before the trade to get a sense of where his head is at. If he is a head case because he wants a new deal what happens? I saw a report that Shottenheimer thinks he is a great communicator so this is somehow going to smooth things over with Pickens. I have no idea, but to deny the risks is foolish.

Let's hope Pickens sees this as an opportunity to make some money next year.

However, as others have posted, if it turns out Pickens is here for just this season this trade will be a bad deal for Dallas.

 

[Havic]

If Pickens balls out and doesn’t sign we will get a nice comp pick in return. Let’s hope a trade works out for once.

 

[J-man]

Essentially, Dallas got Pickens, Mingo and a 2027 7th rd pick for a 3rd, 4th and a 2027 5th.
That's not a bad deal at all IMHO.

 

[Kingofholland]

Not only are we giving up a 3rd and a 5th next year but we basically are signing him for only one season. On a team that isn’t one player away.

His rookie deal runs out and why Steelers traded him as he seems unwilling to negotiate. On top of that he’s a head case. His emotions are difficult to keep in check.

He was fined for using an expletive on his eye black against the Cowboys. He also drew wide spread criticism in 2023 for what could generously be described as the attentive downfield blocking for his teammates.

Considering his volatility, the Steelers didn’t seem interested in signing Pickens to a contract extension running out of patience for the talented but mercurial former 2nd round pick. A 3rd and 5th looks like they found an anxious taker.

If we were trading away a 1st or even 2nd I would probably feel different about the trade. Trading away a 3rd rounder for a talented player at a position of need just doesn't feel like a substantial risk vs other moves we've made for WRs. Yes there is the question of what happens after 2025 with his contract, but if he plays similarly and leaves that probably means a decent comp pick back, maybe even a 3rd rounder.

I personally like the move and the potential it brings. Who knows maybe he does end up being here longer than a year, however I'm just glad we haven't committed to a Tee Higgins type contract along with the trade.

 

[Reality]

If he's awful, which I doubt, and leaves after the season and signs elsewhere, he'll probably land them a 2027 5th rd comp pick. If he's very good and leaves he'll probably land them a 2027 3rd rd comp pick. Hey if Brian is going to be the king of culture and all that, they need to be able to handle a non perfect citizen player. His skills are undeniable. If he falls in line, they'll find the money to keep him and have a top 5 duo for a few years. I am perfectly fine with the risk/reward factor.

I think the Compensatory Picks are something a lot of people don't factor into the trade.

When the trade was first announced, my first thought was, "Oh great, they got another head case and wasted draft picks".

Once the trade details came out and the fact that he has one year remaining on his rookie contract, I realized it was a hedged gamble by the Cowboys.

As you pointed out, if he fails to help or improve the team or the Cowboys simply do not want him back in 2026, they will very likely get back one of their 2026 traded picks. If he matures and has a great year, then the Cowboys can still choose to let him go if he was not a good fit and they may even get back a 3rd round pick via compensatory pick.

Hopefully he keeps his head on right and since it is a contract year for him, if he is ever going to do it, this would be the year for it.

While some may disagree on the level of talent, most fans should acknowledge that the Cowboys are better talent-wise after the trade than before the trade.

Now, whether the draft picks traded will be justified remains to be seen and it is easy to understand why some fans may not be happy with the trade.

My only real concern is that I do not want to see them give him a new contract before he plays this season.

While I wish they had gotten a more reliable receiver, I am glad the Cowboys at least did something other than hoping one of their non-Lamb roster guys turns into a great player.

 

[Ranching]

Not only are we giving up a 3rd and a 5th next year but we basically are signing him for only one season. On a team that isn’t one player away.

His rookie deal runs out and why Steelers traded him as he seems unwilling to negotiate. On top of that he’s a head case. His emotions are difficult to keep in check.

He was fined for using an expletive on his eye black against the Cowboys. He also drew wide spread criticism in 2023 for what could generously be described as the attentive downfield blocking for his teammates.

Considering his volatility, the Steelers didn’t seem interested in signing Pickens to a contract extension running out of patience for the talented but mercurial former 2nd round pick. A 3rd and 5th looks like they found an anxious taker.

If the Eagles had done the exact same thing, you'd be praising them, kissing Howies behind and ripping Jerry for not doing it.same old story, around here.

 

[DuncanIso]

Not only are we giving up a 3rd and a 5th next year but we basically are signing him for only one season. On a team that isn’t one player away.

His rookie deal runs out and why Steelers traded him as he seems unwilling to negotiate. On top of that he’s a head case. His emotions are difficult to keep in check.

He was fined for using an expletive on his eye black against the Cowboys. He also drew wide spread criticism in 2023 for what could generously be described as the attentive downfield blocking for his teammates.

Considering his volatility, the Steelers didn’t seem interested in signing Pickens to a contract extension running out of patience for the talented but mercurial former 2nd round pick. A 3rd and 5th looks like they found an anxious taker.

Yup.

I agree.

Trade doesn’t make sense, long term.

GP isn’t a PB WR.

Wonder who pushed for it?

 

[DuncanIso]

If Pickens balls out and doesn’t sign we will get a nice comp pick in return. Let’s hope a trade works out for once.

A late round comp pick won’t make up for losing that 3rd.

 

[Ranching]

I think the Compensatory Picks are something a lot of people don't factor into the trade.

When the trade was first announced, my first thought was, "Oh great, they got another head case and wasted draft picks".

Once the trade details came out and the fact that he has one year remaining on his rookie contract, I realized it was a hedged gamble by the Cowboys.

As you pointed out, if he fails to help or improve the team or the Cowboys simply do not want him back in 2026, they will very likely get back one of their 2026 traded picks. If he matures and has a great year, then the Cowboys can still choose to let him go if he was not a good fit and they may even get back a 3rd round pick via compensatory pick.

Hopefully he keeps his head on right and since it is a contract year for him, if he is ever going to do it, this would be the year for it.

While some may disagree on the level of talent, most fans should acknowledge that the Cowboys are better talent-wise after the trade than before the trade.

Now, whether the draft picks traded will be justified remains to be seen and it is easy to understand why some fans may not be happy with the trade.

My only real concern is that I do not want to see them give him a new contract before he plays this season.

While I wish they had gotten a more reliable receiver, I am glad the Cowboys at least did something other than hoping one of their non-Lamb roster guys turns into a great player.

First, thank you for sharing your thoughts, secondly, many of us will have trouble looking at the entire picture. Most will pick it apart, using whatever data they need to support their agenda, good or bad.

 

[Hawkeye0202]

If he's awful, which I doubt, and leaves after the season and signs elsewhere, he'll probably land them a 2027 5th rd comp pick. If he's very good and leaves he'll probably land them a 2027 3rd rd comp pick. Hey if Brian is going to be the king of culture and all that, they need to be able to handle a non perfect citizen player. His skills are undeniable. If he falls in line, they'll find the money to keep him and have a top 5 duo for a few years. I am perfectly fine with the risk/reward factor.

Botton line is Pickens immaturity is a concern. Jane Slater says it's why BOTH sides are not interested in looking beyond this year as far as an extension. You get a sense he's not a bad kid, just needs to grow up and understand how his behavior impacts others. I def think the risk/reward for a 3rd round pick is worth it 100%.......









https://atozsports.com/nfl/dallas-c...ickens deals with questions,be a wake up call.




Just read he and another teammate spent T'giving in 2023 with Tomlin and his family. Remember, the Steelers don't have a QB. It would not surprise me if Tomlin didn't advise him that a trade would be best to max his potential.

 

[Stash]

Not only are we giving up a 3rd and a 5th next year but we basically are signing him for only one season. On a team that isn’t one player away.

His rookie deal runs out and why Steelers traded him as he seems unwilling to negotiate. On top of that he’s a head case. His emotions are difficult to keep in check.

He was fined for using an expletive on his eye black against the Cowboys. He also drew wide spread criticism in 2023 for what could generously be described as the attentive downfield blocking for his teammates.

Considering his volatility, the Steelers didn’t seem interested in signing Pickens to a contract extension running out of patience for the talented but mercurial former 2nd round pick. A 3rd and 5th looks like they found an anxious taker.

It looks like you’ve done a great job of separating the potential negatives from the positives here.

 

[Carson]

Couldn't agree more. Listening to Matt Williamson on his podcast who works on/off for the Steelers he didn't doubt is ability but said no one in the Steelers organisation wanted to hang around with him.

Lamb does. Good enough for me. I’ll trust out wr1 over beat writers