FRISCO – The Dallas Cowboys desperately needed an upgrade to their receiving corps this offseason. Fans expressed grave concerns when the draft and free agency passed without any solutions though the Cowboys had an ace up their sleeve.
Days removed from the draft they finalized a trade to bring in George Pickens, providing a firm solution for that positional need.
If the fit on paper translates to the field, the trade will stand as an absolute home run for the Cowboys. Pickens’ ability to stretch the field and win in contested situations perfectly complements the skills of CeeDee Lamb, forming a powerful tandem out wide.
It’s an ideal tandem for quarterback Dak Prescott to go into next season working with. However, some character and attitude questions linger around Pickens stemming from several incidents during his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Prescott touched on that speculation Thursday, revealing those doubts mean little based on what he has seen from Pickens at The Star thus far.
“The guy, he’s been great, he’s been phenomenal. He’s a guy that loves football, loves his teammates. He’s been excited every day that he’s been here. He’s been early. So no concerns on the personal matters of GP and anything about it.
“Just super excited that he’s on our team. He’s one of us. He’s a brother and it’s just about continuing to grow and make sure we’re putting the best out there. That’s his approach.”
The Cowboys have not progressed to an in-game situation with Pickens just yet, so there’s technically no proof he’s a changed man from the last three seasons with the Steelers. However, this evaluation from Dallas’ unquestioned leader does bode well for the young receiver.
Pickens has an adjustment to make going from an offense’s No. 1 to a secondary option. This will certainly be the best offense he has played in, but there will be days when Lamb collects much of the shine and Pickens will not get the same featured role.
Conversely, that dynamic could flip around entirely where Pickens sees bigger days while Lamb draws extra defensive attention.
The Cowboys’ success next season hinges on all involved embracing the fit and seeing the bigger picture. All indications are to this point that Prescott, Pickens and the rest understand that responsibility.
