Following the trade that sent George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys, teams across the NFL—especially in the NFC East—are reportedly uneasy about how strong the Cowboys could become in the upcoming season.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Pickens is seen as a game-changing talent. Speaking on SportsCenter, Fowler explained that teams in the Cowboys’ division believe Pickens could significantly impact the field thanks to his exceptional ability to make contested catches and his athleticism. He brings a new dynamic to Dallas’ offense.
While Pickens faced maturity concerns in Pittsburgh, much of the friction was rooted in his desire to be more involved in the passing game. In Dallas, he joins a more established offensive unit led by quarterback Dak Prescott and star receiver CeeDee Lamb—an environment that may suit his ambitions better.
In 2024, Pickens recorded 59 receptions for 900 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 15.3 yards per catch. Despite his past reputation for clashing with coaches and teammates about his role, he has remained durable, appearing in 17 games in two of his three NFL seasons.
The Cowboys have a history of embracing talented players with off-field concerns, and reports suggest the team believes its leadership core, especially Prescott, can help Pickens integrate smoothly.
Regarded as one of the best in the league at winning one-on-one battles for the ball, Pickens’ addition to a receiving corps already featuring Lamb could elevate the Cowboys’ passing attack into one of the NFL’s elite units in 2025.
Pickens is entering the final year of his current contract, which pays him $3.6 million.
