George Pickens Makes Surprising Claim About His Trade To Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys made waves this offseason by acquiring George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers in a notable trade.

Dallas sent a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick to Pittsburgh while receiving Pickens and a 2027 sixth-round pick in return.

The acquisition brought talent but also controversy as Pickens continues generating headlines away from the field.

In a social media exchange that was later deleted, the wide receiver responded to a fan by openly criticizing his former team and claiming he orchestrated his own departure from Pittsburgh.

“New Cowboys WR George Pickens claims he FORCED the Steelers to trade him this offseason: ‘I forced buddy. They were gladly keeping me … have a nice day and a blessed one my guy.’ Pickens has since deleted his comment,” Dov Kleiman shared.

Wow: New Cowboys WR George Pickens claims he FORCED the Steelers to trade him this offseason:

“I forced buddy . They were gladly keeping me … have a nice day and a blessed one my guy.”

Pickens has since deleted his comment pic.twitter.com/5BNtbAAmnw

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) June 1, 2025

The statement contradicted what Pickens said during his first press conference with Dallas. At that event, he presented a different narrative about the trade circumstances.

He acknowledged that football operates as both a sport and a business while expressing enthusiasm about joining the Cowboys and contributing to their winning culture.

The reality of who initiated the trade matters less than what both teams accomplish moving forward.

Pickens brings solid production after recording 59 catches for 900 yards and three touchdowns across 14 games in his third NFL season with Pittsburgh.

His transition to Dallas represents more than a simple roster move.

The change provides Pickens an opportunity to redefine his career trajectory in a new environment. Success with the Cowboys could elevate his status significantly within the league.

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Analyst Says 1 NFL Team Has Toughest Schedule In 2nd Half Season

The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for what could define their 2025 season.

After a disappointing end to last year with five straight losses capped by a wild card shutout against Baltimore, Pittsburgh knows they need to start strong and maintain that momentum through what appears to be one of the most challenging schedules in recent memory.

The real test for the Steelers won’t come in the early weeks when they might grab wins against division rivals like Cincinnati or Cleveland at home.

Instead, analyst Warren Sharp believes their season will be determined by how they handle the backend of their schedule.

“Week seven onwards, toughest schedule in the NFL. Second toughest schedule of rest games in the NFL. And during this time, not only are they playing brutal opponents, they have brutal rest situations in some of these games. Specifically against the most difficult opponents that they’re going to deal with,” Sharp said while appearing on the Ross Tucker Podcast.

“Starting in week seven they have the toughest schedule for ANY team down the stretch.”@SharpFootball thinks the Steelers will have a very difficult second half of the season: pic.twitter.com/16NnCN6QQ6

— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) May 28, 2025

The numbers paint a stark picture for Pittsburgh’s playoff hopes. After Week 10, the Steelers face just one team not projected to win at least eight games: the Cleveland Browns.

Every other opponent represents a legitimate threat to their postseason aspirations.

The schedule’s structure makes things even more difficult. Sharp highlighted how the Steelers will face teams like Buffalo and Baltimore in back to back weeks, entering both matchups with a three day rest disadvantage.

That type of scheduling creates a perfect storm where talented opponents meet tired legs.

Pittsburgh’s early Week 5 bye adds another wrinkle to their season.

While the rest comes at a convenient time after their international game against Minnesota in Dublin, it leaves them without a break when they’ll need it most during that brutal second half stretch.

The Steelers understand that building early momentum will be crucial, but sustaining it through what Sharp considers the toughest closing schedule in football presents their biggest challenge.

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Todd Haley Names The Best QB Option For Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in a familiar position this offseason, waiting to see if veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers will finally make his decision.

With OTAs underway and Minicamp approaching, the franchise continues operating without clear direction on their most important position.

The uncertainty hasn’t stopped Pittsburgh from dropping hints about their interest in the four-time MVP.

Recent comments from former Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley have added another layer to the ongoing speculation.

“I still believe, like I’ve said all along, he’s (Aaron Rodgers) the best option for the Steelers, for the situation they’re in at this time. Maybe he signs, maybe he doesn’t. If he does sign, maybe it looks great, maybe it looks average, who knows? But I still think it’s the best option, and one I’d be willing to take a risk on, knowing that you only get so many shots at this,” Haley said on SiriusXM Radio.

Todd Haley discussed why he still believes QB Aaron Rodgers makes sense in Pittsburgh with Mike Tomlin.

https://t.co/v3G0iz6gwE#Steelers | #HereWeGo | @TheToddHaley pic.twitter.com/FP5WcW5xXp

— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) June 1, 2025

Haley’s endorsement carries weight given his history with the organization.

The former coordinator believes Rodgers presents more upside than current option Mason Rudolph, despite the inherent risks involved.

His confidence stems partly from his trust in head coach Mike Tomlin’s ability to manage personalities and unite the locker room.

The assessment points to Rodgers’ experience and football intelligence as game-changing factors. Haley emphasized how the veteran’s ability to make in-game adjustments could stabilize an offense that has struggled with consistency in recent seasons.

Growing confidence suggests the Steelers represent Rodgers’ most viable landing spot.

The groundwork appears laid for a potential partnership, though nothing remains certain about the quarterback’s ultimate decision.

His recent podcast appearances and subtle hints about Pittsburgh during public events have only intensified the speculation.

The Steelers have prepared for various scenarios throughout this process. Their current focus remains on the existing roster, understanding that Rodgers may never materialize as an option.

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Seahawks GM Gushes About Rookie QB

The Seattle Seahawks revamped their QB room this offseason.

They signed Sam Darnold after his breakout season with the Minnesota Vikings, traded Sam Howell and Geno Smith, and also drafted Jalen Milroe.

Of course, Darnold is penciled in as the starter, but taking Milroe means that they might not see him as a long-term solution at the position.

Now, GM John Schneider made the rounds for his praise of the Alabama quarterback.

Talking to Rich Eisen, the Seahawks executive seemed quite excited about Milroe (via Dov Kleiman):

“He’s a special man. He’s been great so far, everyone raved about his work ethic and his personality,” he said.

High Praise: Seahawks GM John Schneider on rookie QB Jalen Milroe:

“He’s a special man. He’s been great so far, everyone raved about his work ethic and his personality.”

Milroe is coming for that QB1 spot

(via @richeisenshow) pic.twitter.com/SRuOIygMFM

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) June 1, 2025

Milroe was projected to be the third or fourth quarterback taken in this class.

While he was projected to be a second-round selection, some even thought he could’ve snuck up all the way to the late first round.

The Seahawks eventually took him with the No. 92 selection in the third round, even ahead of Shedeur Sanders, who was once projected to be a top-five pick.

Milroe is still quite raw as a passer, and he might need a year or two before being ready to take the field with the pros.

It wasn’t that he lacked potential, but whoever took him would need time to mold him.

Still, his athleticism, speed, and strength make him an intriguing player to build and develop.

Because of his scrambling ability, he has the potential to be a dual-threat star at the next level.

The Seahawks can afford to roll with Darnold for a year or two while they work on Milroe’s flaws as a blank canvas.

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Bill Belichick’s Contract Has A Significant Change On Sunday

When NFL legend Bill Belichick shockingly chose to sign with the UNC Tar Heels, some people speculated that he could still find his way back to the pros this season.

That’s why the program had a plan in place to make sure that, if Belichick were to leave, they would get some money back.

But now that we’ve reached June 1 and the legendary head coach is still there, the ball is now in Belichick’s court.

As Matt Baker of The Athletic reported, on June 1, Belichick’s buyout clause dropped from $10 million to $1 million.

Bill Belichick’s North Carolina contract buyout changes on June 1, writes @MattBakerCFB.

Here's why it matters https://t.co/dnrkUOI8kS pic.twitter.com/xxnAEQk1U4

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) June 1, 2025

The Tar Heels wanted some financial security, and the multi-time Super Bowl-winning coach would’ve had to pay a steep sum out of his pocket to get out of his contract.

Belichick infamously backed down from taking the New York Jets’ head coaching job before suddenly signing with the New England Patriots to begin his dynasty in Foxboro.

Given his desire to stay in the NFL, some thought he could’ve pulled off something similar.

Even so, there was little to no interest in his services in the pros.

Belichick has made the rounds for all the wrong reasons in the past couple of months, as his relationship with 24-year-old Jordon Hudson has turned plenty of heads.

That’s not on brand with everything Belichick preached during his days in the league, and the Tar Heels will certainly hope that won’t be an issue when the season starts.

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Cam Skattebo Says He Expected To Play For 1 NFC West Team

The New York Giants got a fan favorite when they drafted Cam Skattebo.

However, as much as he expected to be drafted, it seems like he never thought he would play for them.

Talking on the St. Brown Podcast, the Arizona State standout admitted that he thought he was ‘cooked’ because he was five minutes late to his meeting with the Giants.

Instead, he thought he was going to play for the San Francisco 49ers, the team he grew up rooting for.

"I actually thought I was going to go to San Francisco with that 100th pick."

Cam Skattebo reflects on his NFL Draft experience where the 49ers, the team he grew up cheering for, passed on him before the Giants selected him at pick 105 pic.twitter.com/C4uQ9KiLg8

— St. Brown Podcast (@StBrownPodcast) May 28, 2025

The Niners, who had the No. 100 pick, passed on him again, leaving the door wide open for the Giants to take him five picks later.

Skattebo admitted that he thought his meeting with the Giants hadn’t gone well, and he was certain the team wasn’t going to take him because of that blunder.

Granted, other executives and head coaches wouldn’t have been as forgiving as Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll, and that lack of punctuality would’ve most definitely killed his chances.

Even so, the Giants clearly need as much help as they can get, so perhaps they knew they weren’t in a position to get picky.

Skattebo finished fifth in Heisman Trophy voting after leading the nation with a whopping 1,711 rushing yards and 21 rushing touchdowns.

He made the rounds on social media for his running style, bullying his way through opposition and piling up yards after contact.

The Giants found a promising back with Tyrone Tracy Jr. last season, but contrary to what he thought, Skattebo might get a big role out of the gate in the Big Apple.

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Anthony Richardson Spotted At NBA Playoff Game On Saturday

The Indianapolis Colts will have an interesting QB battle this season.

In the meantime, they can blow off some steam and make the most of the NBA frenzy in town.

As shown by James Boyd on X, Anthony Richardson was one of many celebrities in attendance at the Indiana Pacers’ Game 6 win over the New York Knicks.

#Colts QB Anthony Richardson is in the building for Game 6. He was hyping up the #Pacers crowd. pic.twitter.com/jOzwDNS7pn

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) June 1, 2025

Caitlin Clark, Pat McAfee, Timothee Chalamet, Ben Stiller, and Spike Lee were also regular presences sitting courtside.

Richardson’s time with the Colts hasn’t gone well, but judging by the cheering crowd, the fans seem to still believe in him.

Ironically, that might not be the case with his team.

The Colts spent a lot of money to get Daniel Jones in town.

And when you overpay for an ever-struggling quarterback who was cut midway through the season, it might be a sign of a lack of confidence in who you have right now.

Granted, it’s not like Richardson has done much to help his case, and even Jones might be an upgrade over him at this point in his career.

Richardson is perhaps the biggest, fastest, and most athletic quarterback in the league, but it takes much more than that to succeed in the league.

His subpar accuracy and decision-making are major concerns, and while he needs more reps and experience, perhaps he could also benefit from some time on the sidelines before being ready to take the field.

He’s got the physical tools to be among the best players in the game, but he will most likely be kept on a short leash in Year 3.

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Jabrill Peppers Uses 2 Words To Describe Patriots’ Rookie Safety

The New England Patriots waited for a while before adding more juice to their defense in the NFL Draft.

They were reportedly quite high on Craig Woodson from the first day they met with him, and they had him atop their big board in the fourth round, which is why they didn’t hesitate to take him with the fourth overall pick on the third day.

Woodson has turned a lot of heads during the team’s voluntary OTAs, especially thanks to his ball-hawking skills and instincts.

He’s broken up passes, hounded offensive players, and impressed with his positioning.

That’s why veteran teammate Jabrill Peppers had nothing but praise and respect for him, raving about how strong of a first impression he’s made so far:

“Smart. Savvy,” veteran safety Jabrill Peppers said of Woodson. “He’s doing a great job soaking up what the coaches want him to do. Different techniques. College ball is a little different than the league — especially in the Pac-12; he’s definitely doing a good job, though.”

Peppers and Kyle Dugger are penciled in as the starting safeties.

Then again, Dugger is still recovering from an offseason ankle injury, leaving the door wide open for the 6-foot Woodson to make his way to the gridiron early on in the season.

He also made a strong impact on special teams, so Mike Vrabel will find ways to get him on the field.

After missing the 2021 season with a torn ACL, Woodson played at California for six seasons and was a starter in the last three years of college.

He was the first defensive player the Patriots took in the draft, and as such, he might be a big part of their plans.

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Dak Prescott Makes Big Personal Announcement

The Dallas Cowboys have a new fan.

Finding a jersey that fits, however, will be a bit challenging.

As shown by Nick Harris on X, Cowboys star QB Dak Prescott announced that his second daughter, Aurora Rayne, had been born.

Harris posted a picture of the quarterback with his two daughters.

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott announced the birth of his second daughter this morning.

Here he is with his girls pic.twitter.com/3MA6TfNY7h

— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) May 31, 2025

Prescott and his fiancée, Sarah Jane Ramos, also took to social media to announce that the baby had been born on May 22.

Their firstborn daughter, Margaret Jane Rose Prescott, was born on February 22, 2024.

Back in 2023, he claimed that finding out that he was going to be a father brought out the best in his game.

He stated that his ‘dad strength’ was the reason why he threw for a career-high 4,516 passing yards.

Now, coming off a down and injury-riddled season, he could certainly use some of that groove back.

Prescott threw for 1,978 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in as many games last season before a hamstring avulsion forced him to go under the knife and cut his season short.

The Cowboys traded for George Pickens to give him another weapon, and with him and CeeDee Lamb, they could have one of the most electrifying wide receiver duos in the league.

Nevertheless, they also got him a potential replacement when they traded for Joe Milton III.

And after watching the team fare much better with Cooper Rush at the helm last season, he might not get a long leash or a lot of wiggle room when he takes the field this season.

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Josh Allen Makes Big Personal Announcement

The 2025 season can’t start soon enough for the Buffalo Bills.

Sean McDermott’s team will strive to get the monkey off their backs once and for all and make it to the Super Bowl.

In the meantime, their best player will spend some quality time with his family.

As reported by MLFootball on X, Josh Allen just got married.

He tied the knot with actress Hailee Steinfeld in a private ceremony in California.

CONGRATULATIONS

Buffalo #Bills superstar quarterback Josh Allen got MARRIED to actress Hailee Steinfeld today in California.

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Allen! pic.twitter.com/xQj9Sr083B

— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) June 1, 2025

Allen is coming off the best season of his career, and he won’t have a lot of spare time when the season starts, so the timing was perfect.

The Wyoming product completed 63.6% of his passes for 3,731 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and just six interceptions.

He also added 102 carries for 531 yards and 12 touchdowns to run away with the first MVP award of his career.

Despite not having a clear-cut WR1, Allen made everybody around him better and kept the chains in motion by trusting his unproven wide receiver corps.

Now, second-year pro Keon Coleman is projected to be one of the breakout candidates, and he’s expected to embrace the kind of role that Stefon Diggs had there for years.

But even if that’s not the case, the Bills’ superstar quarterback has already proven to be more than capable of holding his ground with the hand he’s been given.

The Bills will once again be the odds-on favorite to make it out of the AFC East and go far in the playoffs.

Hopefully, this won’t be the only ring Allen will get.

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