The Pittsburgh Steelers made the shocking decision to trade George Pickens and a 2027 sixth-round pick to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a 2026 third-round selection and a 2027 fifth-rounder. The former second-round selection himself in the 2022 NFL Draft had been a key piece in Pittsburgh’s offense over his three seasons with the team.
Pickens has recorded 2,841 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns on 174 receptions thus far in his career, adding 36 rushing yards and one touchdown on eight carries. Yet, sports analyst Colin Cowherd recently suggested that the addition of Pickens could spell trouble for the Cowboys.
NFL Analyst Questions Dallas Cowboys Move for George Pickens
While Pickens hasn’t gotten into any off-field trouble, he has built a bit of a negative reputation for his on-field behavior. Following the trade, Colin Cowherd argued on his Fox Sports 1 show, The Herd, that the move could cause issues in Dallas.
Speaking on the show, the sports media personality stated, “It can only work because of Dak Prescott. Dak Prescott’s temperament and maturity, he’s dealt with Jerry’s ego and Ezekiel Elliott’s nonsense. Mike Tomlin, who’s always been a player’s coach, he bailed on him. He couldn’t control him.
“Randy Moss works in New England, not just because of Tom Brady. He worked because of Bill Belichick. And the reason A.J. Brown, who could be a bit temperamental, works in Philadelphia is because they have a great owner, and a GM, and a great culture.
“The Cowboys don’t have a great culture. This is a volatile, immature wide receiver who’s going to want the ball and is not going to love CeeDee Lamb getting 12 targets, and he gets four on certain Sundays. The opportunity and chance for mayhem is through the roof. Dallas, right now, is the land of the misfit boys.”
Pickens was often labeled a diva during his time in Pittsburgh, facing criticism for a perceived lack of effort. Speaking in line with Cowherd, one former coach said that Pickens wasn’t a Mike Tomlin guy. Meanwhile, others like Hall of Famer Michael Irvin, are ecstatic about Pickens’ arrival.
While Pickens led all Steelers wideouts in targets each of the past two seasons — after ranking second as a rookie — that likely won’t be the case now that he’s in Dallas. Lamb is firmly established as the Cowboys’ No. 1 receiver. The 2020 first-round pick has made the Pro Bowl in each of the past four seasons and has been named an All-Pro three years in a row.