The NFL is truly an arms race, and the only thing more important than having an elite quarterback is top-tier wide receivers to catch his passes. In a move that’ll certainly impact the NFC East and the entire league, the Dallas Cowboys completed a trade that sent Steelers wide receiver George Pickens to Dallas for draft picks.
Dallas now has a formidable wide receiver duo, and A.J. Brown likes the trade. While speaking to troubled teens last week, Brown was asked about the Cowboys and Eagles, the biggest rivals, acquiring Pickens. Brown said he liked the trade and looks forward to the competition.
Ceedee Lamb was an All-Pro in 2023, and finished an injury plagued 2024 season with 101 catches (tied for the second-most in the NFL entering Week 17) for 1,194 receiving yards (third in the NFL entering Week 17) and six receiving touchdowns despite quarterback Dak Prescott being out for the season with a torn hamstring since Week 9.
The move to land Pickens gives Ceedee Lamb a versatile and bona fide running mate. The former Georgia wide receiver has eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark once during his first three seasons. He’s caught just 12 touchdowns, including a career-low three in 2024.
That star potential was evident late in the 2023 season, when he caught 11 of 13 targets for 326 yards and two touchdowns in wins over the Bengals and Seahawks, keeping Pittsburgh’s playoff hopes alive. Pickens will now head to Dallas, where the attention, resources, and expectations will be through the roof.
Despite missing three games due to injury, A.J. Brown led the team with 1,079 receiving yards and earned All-Pro honors. He also ranked 1st in receiving average (16.1) (min. 60 catches) and 3rd in receiving yards per game (83.0) (min. 13 games), behind Ja’Marr Chase (100.5) and Justin Jefferson (90.2). Brown was virtually unguardable in single coverage last season, earning the NFL’s highest receiving grade (96.3) when matched against a lone defensive back.
DeVonta Smith posted a career-high 8 TDs in the regular season and hauled in a 46-yard TD in Super Bowl LIX. During the run to the Super Bowl, he became the franchise’s all-time leader in postseason receiving yards (595). Smith has two 1,000-yard seasons during his five-year career, and he’s clearly a much better and more efficient performer than George Pickens, giving the Eagles the top spot.
