Dallas Cowboys owner Stephen Jones made some interesting comments about newcomer George Pickens that could create some tension with fellow star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.
After surprisingly passing on a wide receiver in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Cowboys finally got their man by acquiring George Pickens and a 2027 sixth-round pick from the Pittsburgh Steelers for 2026 third and 2027 fifth-round selections.
Stephen Jones had been vocal about the Cowboys’ need to find another receiver to complement Lamb, a role that Michael Gallup, Brandin Cooks and Jalen Tolbert couldn’t fill after Amari Cooper was traded to the Cleveland Browns in 2022.
It’s well known that the Steelers traded George Pickens because of the problems he was causing in the locker room. Though Lamb is the undisputed No. 1 receiver in Dallas, Jones made the following comments that could very well cause a stir among the Cowboys’ WR duo, per Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated:
“He’s just a dynamic receiver. Everybody says we’re looking for a (number) two. I mean, George can be a one. He’s got that type of talent. He’s got unbelievable ball-tracking ability. He’s got plenty of juice and he’s a fiery competitor. And we love that, he plays with an edge, and we think he’d be a good fit for our team.”
Pickens was the No. 1 receiver in Pittsburgh over the last two seasons, and he was still openly unhappy with his role. Don’t forget that game against the Dallas Cowboys where he wore eyeblack that read, “Open F**king Always” that led to a $10,231 fine from the league.
The 24-year-old Pickens is coming off an inconsistent 2024 season in which he caught 59 passes for 900 yards and three touchdowns. He had a career year in 2023, catching 63 passes for 1,140 yards and four touchdowns.
George Pickens Fills A Need, But Cowboys Are Taking A Risk
Needles to say, it will be interesting to see how Pickens responds to going from the No. 1 in Pittsburgh to the No. 2 guy in Dallas. His acquisition makes the Cowboys better on paper, but Stephen and Jerry Jones are taking a risk here and can only hope that Pickens will be a team player, regardless of his role.
