The Dallas Cowboys shocked fans and critics alike by making an uncharacteristically bold move—acquiring wide receiver George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers. The deal marked a big shift in strategy for a team often criticized for playing it safe. Cowboys legend Michael Irvin didn’t hold back in showing his excitement.
Michael Irvin Declares ‘We Back in the Fight’ After Dallas Cowboys Land George Pickens
Irvin, visibly fired up, said on air: “Let’s say, hey, Joy, when you were over there talking about what it costs, all of that, I was over here saying, yamba, jamba, jamba, yamba, jamba, it doesn’t matter, none of that matters.
“All that matters is that we’ve got the exact type of receiver, the exact diversity I talked about that we were talking about on the show for the Dallas Cowboys. This was a great job.”
The Cowboys sent a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-rounder to the Steelers in exchange for Pickens and a 2027 sixth-round pick. While the cost was fair, the real value is in Pickens’ talent. A 6-foot-3, 200-pound receiver, Pickens led the NFL in 2023 with 18.1 yards per catch—even while catching passes from three different quarterbacks.
Irvin said he spoke with Cowboys executive Will McClay after the trade.
“I just got off the phone with Will McClay, the guy over there that’s pulling all the strings and everything. We had a great conversation about George Pickens… They’ll tell you, this is a freak athlete… very few people that ever put on a pair of shoulder pads and helmet can make [those plays].”
Dallas has lacked a true No. 2 wide receiver since trading Amari Cooper in 2022. CeeDee Lamb has carried the offense, averaging 114 catches, 1,434 yards, and nine touchdowns over the past three seasons. The second-best pass catchers—often tight ends or running backs—haven’t come close to matching that production, making the offense easier to defend.
Pickens changes that. With Lamb already one of the league’s top wideouts, adding Pickens gives Dallas one of the NFL’s most dangerous receiving duos.
Irvin added, “Literally, we got, literally, one of the best receivers in the NFL, in CeeDee Lamb… then you go and get a guy that has to prove to the world that he is of the ilk of the Keyshawn Johnson, and the Michael Irvin, and the Paul Pierce.”
Pickens’ behavior in Pittsburgh did raise questions—including sideline outbursts and being late—but Dallas is betting on his upside.
“We’re back in the fight. You ain’t got to ask me the question, does this put them back in the fight? We’re back in the fight.”
