The Dallas Cowboys’ trade for star wide receiver George Pickens has caused a stir in the NFL world, with both conferences likely affected by the move. Pickens divides opinions among analysts as a phenomenally talented receiver who can often let his temper get the better of him.
During a recent episode of “First Things First,” analyst Nick Wright laid into the now former Pittsburgh Steelers WR, labelling him “immature,” “volatile,” and “overrated.”
Fox Sports Analysts Debate Dallas’ Move for George Pickens
Analysts far and wide have given their take on the Cowboys’ move for Pickens, with varying opinions on the trade. In a recent episode of “First Things First,” though, Pickens came under fire from one analyst, in particular.
First, Chris Broussard started by giving his thoughts on the trade, grading it a “B” for Dallas.
“I love it, on paper,” he said. “I think he’s a phenomenal No. 2 because he has the talent of a No. 1, so with CeeDee Lamb, that’s gonna be great.”
Broussard then pointed to the risk that the team had taken, given Pickens’ contract situation. While a fan of the receiver, Broussard suggested that, in a contract year, Pickens could become a problem if not given the amount of targets necessary to earn a lucrative new deal.
Wright didn’t give the move a grade, but it’s safe to say that if he had, it wouldn’t have been a “B.” Following on from Broussard’s points, the host immediately made his feelings about the receiver very clear.
“I think he’s one of the most overrated players in the entire NFL.”
Wright pointed to Pickens’ production over the last two seasons as the reason for his bold take. Yet, Pickens missed three games through injury in 2024, likely preventing him from registering his second-straight season with over 1,000 receiving yards.
Nick Wright Tears Into Pickens’ Character
Not content with simply downplaying Pickens’ on-field ability, Wright laid into the player’s personality, suggesting that the Cowboys had given themselves a problem.
“People are who they show you they are. He’s an immature, volatile player, who I believe has, in the minds of fans, his production has been overrated, because his highlights are so phenomenal.”
Wright claimed that Dallas had put its first-year head coach in a potentially hostile position with the trade, with no good options on the table regarding Pickens’ contract. Wright claimed that Pickens isn’t worth the kind of money it would take to keep him happy, and that the team had potentially thrown away a Day 2 pick.
“I think paying him would be a terrible decision. I think, not paying him, you are setting up Brian Schottenheimer to, immediately, as a rookie head coach, have a problem on his hands. And I also think trading a third-round pick for a one-year rental is awful business.”
It’s unclear, at this point, how much money Pickens would be expecting in a new deal, but the Steelers likely had that conversation with his representation before moving on. He has the talent, but Pickens is unlikely to see more opportunities in Dallas than he did in Pittsburgh.
On a more offense-minded team, though, there’s every chance that the veteran WR could be an outstanding player for his new team in 2025.
