The Dallas Cowboys actively pursued wide receiver options before striking a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers to acquire George Pickens. The Cowboys had initially set their sights on Baltimore Ravens WR Rashod Bateman, who enjoyed a breakout season with 45 receptions for 756 yards and nine touchdowns in 2023. Bateman, a former first-round pick, recently signed a two-year extension worth $12.9 million, but the Cowboys that believed he could be a valuable addition to their roster. The team's owner, Jerry Jones, had previously hinted at bolstering their wide receiver corps to fill gaps in their lineup.

Ultimately, the Cowboys settled on Pickens, sacrificing a third-round pick and additional Day 3 selections to make the deal happen. While it's unclear what the Cowboys were willing to offer for Bateman, they likely spent more on Pickens, whose market value is estimated at $25.3 million per season. The Cowboys' aggressive approach in the trade market signals their commitment to remaining competitive in the league.