Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens, during a recent media availability, expressed his thoughts on how his new team’s offense will suit him. Change in football happens in the blink of an eye. Somehow, that temporary nature gives the NFL its stability.
For Pickens, change means landing in Dallas after the Pittsburgh Steelers traded him for a draft pick. Blessed with elite athletic ability but cursed with a volatile temper, the newest member of the Dallas receiving corps shared his feelings about his new team.
Cowboys WR George Pickens Discusses Potential Scheme Fit in Dallas
Pickens’ ability to make plays is widely recognized in the NFL, ranking as one of the better receivers in the game. However, his emotional flare-ups have also drawn attention.
Jon Machota, covering the Cowboys for The Athletic, shared the 24-year-old‘s thoughts on his scheme fit in Dallas. Pickens noted that this is the fastest-paced system he has played in since his days at Georgia.
Cowboys WR George Pickens on why this is the right place for him: “Just the guys and the team speed. The team speed applies to the scheme too. If you got a lot of fast guys, you’re gonna definitely have a different scheme.”
Pickens said this is the most speed he’s played with… pic.twitter.com/m5PbNQed0s
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) June 11, 2025
“Just the guys and the team speed. The team speed applies to the scheme too. If you got a lot of fast guys, you’re going to definitely have a different scheme,” Pickens said.
Last season, the Steelers’ passing game centered around throwing deep and hoping Pickens would make the grab. By contrast, Dallas can field a much more explosive offensive grouping.
While not a burner, CeeDee Lamb flashes a great second gear, pulling away from defenders after the catch. Jalen Tolbert isn’t conventionally fast, but he shows build-up speed, taking a number of steps to accelerate.
Additionally, KaVontae Turpin can take the ball the distance from anywhere on the field. As a result, quarterback Dak Prescott doesn’t need to hope Turpin stands alone when the team wants to test opposing defenses vertically.
The athleticism of his new teammates won’t be Pickens’ only major adjustment. In Pittsburgh, the Steelers saw him as the lead wideout. In Dallas, however, that role likely belongs to Lamb, who is entering his sixth season and aims for his fifth consecutive 1,000-yard campaign. Prescott trusts Lamb above all others.
Averaging 63 first downs per season means the ball finds his hands when the team needs a play. While that may seem daunting, Pickens could actually benefit. At least one defense will attempt to cover Lamb with safety help over the top.
Meanwhile, the defense’s best corner will try to lock Pickens down one-on-one. Provided the offensive line gives Prescott time, Dallas could enjoy more than a few touchdowns against that coverage.
Pickens found his way to Dallas via trade. Now, he’ll enjoy the impending track meet on Sundays. Given the opportunity to blend in and not stand out on the field, he could help the Cowboys return to the postseason.
