The Dallas Cowboys pulled one of the biggest trades of the offseason with wide receiver George Pickens, and that move is receiving praise around the NFL.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler delved into that and noted a coach and an AFC personnel executive who looked favorably on the Cowboys trade. Dallas acquired Pickens in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers last month, and the Cowboys only had to give up a third-round pick for next year and a 2027 fifth-round pick in the process.
“Dealing with CeeDee [Lamb] and him opens things up for them,” an NFC East coach told ESPN via Fowler.
Dallas now has a strong one-two punch in the passing game with Pickens teaming up with Lamb. The unnamed AFC personnel executive sees that, too, but noted one concern.
“He’ll be a big piece there,” the AFC personnel executive told ESPN. “When he’s covered, he’s really open. I know the concerns are there, but I think having an already established passing game with veterans to help him along, and the fact he’s in a contract year, will help keep him in line. If you can tap into what he can do fully, his major ability will shine through.”
Pickens had 174 receptions for 2,841 yards and 12 touchdowns in his three seasons with the Steelers.
Insider Details How Steelers Were Easy Pickings For Cowboys Trade
GettyGeorge Pickens could be a dynamic second receiver for the Cowboys this year.
Pittsburgh had reasons to move on from Pickens as Fowler noted, and the Cowboys “leaned into a certain strategy more than other team” that was interested in the veteran wideout.
“The Cowboys are willing to relinquish draft capital for high-upside talent on rookie contracts,” Fowler wrote. “The Cowboys executed three trades in this realm, acquiring Buffalo Bills cornerback Kaiir Elam, New England Patriots quarterback Joe Milton III and now Pickens, who has the talent to become a top-10 receiver.”
“You know the Pickens trade might be a winner when people in the NFC East mention, unprompted, that the acquisition might just shift the dynamic of the Cowboys’ offense,” Fowler added.
Cowboys HC Brian Schottenheimer Likes What He Sees From George Pickens
Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer has a positive impression already of Pickens with minicamp in the rearview mirror.
“He shows up with energy, with a smile, and ready to work,” Schottenheimer told reporters on June 13. “You can’t ask for more from a guy learning a new system.”
It’s also a big season for Pickens individually since it is a contract year for him. He will make $3.65 million with the Cowboys this year before he potentially becomes an unrestricted free agent next March.
Pickens wants to make the most of the opportunity, and recognizes that the Cowboys’ overall speed will impact his opportunities with the playbook.
“It’s probably the first time since college I’ve played with this many fast guys,” Pickens told reporters on June 11. “When the whole team’s fast, the scheme naturally adjusts. And that changes what I can do on the field.”
Pickens can also help the Cowboys boast one of the best wideout tandems in the league with Lamb this season in the process.
