The Dallas Cowboys didn’t just make a move this offseason, they made a statement. In a surprise trade that sent shockwaves across the league, Dallas acquired wide receiver George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers.
But if you think Pickens was brought in just to be a No. 2 option behind CeeDee Lamb, think again.
Pickens Bringing a Much-Welcomed Competitive Streak to the Dallas
Cowboys Chief Operating Officer Stephen Jones didn’t hesitate to compare Pickens to one of the franchise’s most iconic receivers. “We take him as more than a two,” Jones said. “He reminds a lot in our building of Dez Bryant in terms of his competitiveness and what he brings to the field.”
That’s not a throwaway comparison. Dez Bryant was the emotional engine of the Cowboys for years a touchdown machine with highlight plays and high drama. And like Dez, Pickens brings a fiery edge that Dallas sees as a feature, not a flaw.
Pickens has always worn his emotions on his sleeve. In Pittsburgh, that sometimes boiled over from unsportsmanlike conduct penalties to jawing with defenders after plays. But inside The Star, the Cowboys see that fire as the kind of swagger this offense has been missing.
He plays through contact, goes up for contested balls, and isn’t afraid to get loud about it. Dallas wants that edge, especially on a team looking to break through in the NFC after multiple playoff disappointments.
Pickens Is More Than a WR2
Most of the league saw Pickens as a talented but volatile No. 2. Dallas saw something else entirely. Jones emphasized the Cowboys believe Pickens can be a legitimate WR1, not just a sidekick to Lamb, but a co-star.
In three seasons with the Steelers, Pickens racked up nearly 2,841 yards and 13 touchdowns, despite inconsistent quarterback play. His ball-tracking ability is elite, and his knack for sideline catches makes him a nightmare for opposing corners.
Lined up opposite Lamb, Pickens gives Dak Prescott a true 1-2 punch on the outside, something Dallas hasn’t had since the prime Dez Bryant days.
Pickens is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is set to hit free agency in 2026. The trade is both a short-term boost and a long-term bet. If he delivers this season, he’ll likely command a massive extension, and the Cowboys seem ready for that possibility.
For now, they’ve got one of the league’s most electric young receivers walking into camp with a chip on his shoulder and something to prove. If he plays up to the Dez Bryant comparison, this move could reshape Dallas’ offense — and maybe their season.
a Cowboys fan, since the 70’s Stephen Jones your father Jerry Jones like players like George Pickens and Dez Bryant because they both cause problems on and off the field even though they both are talented so that’s why Stephen Jones say are the same