Dallas Cowboys have shown their determination to strengthen their offense with a quality wide receiver, as new reports reveal that they explored a trade for Rashod Bateman of Baltimore Ravens before ultimately acquiring George Pickens from Pittsburgh Steelers.
According to Jordan Schultz from Fox Sports, the search for a receiver to pair with CeeDee Lamb was a months-long process. The team considered several options, with Bateman, one of the top prospects from the Ravens, being among the targets. However, they ultimately decided to pivot and bring Pickens to Dallas.
George Pickens was traded to the Cowboys on Wednesday following offseason speculation that he wanted out of Pittsburgh. Part of the reason behind this speculation was his decision to unfollow the team on Instagram, though both he and Steelers’ general manager Omar Khan have denied that he ever requested a trade.
“It was like my old draft reaction. I found out when everyone else found out,” Pickens said. “I feel great, I like the mojo here. I like the swag, there’s a lot of new players I’ve been meeting. I feel like they have a good thing going, for sure.”
As for Rashod Bateman, the receiver recorded 756 yards and nine touchdowns last season and was a key part of the Ravens’ offense. Despite the presence of stars like DeAndre Hopkins and Zay Flowers, Bateman is expected to be a major contributor to the Ravens’ offense as they aim to improve following a 12-5 season.
While the Cowboys ultimately did not land Bateman, their decision to acquire Pickens could prove to be a significant boost to their offense in the upcoming season.
