The Dallas Cowboys made a big move this week when they traded for George Pickens. The former Pittsburgh Steelers receiver will now line up with CeeDee Lamb in the passing game, but three-time Super Bowl champ Julian Edelman has another concern.
The Dallas Cowboys Could Still Be a Piece Away From Being Competitive
Jerry Jones said he was working on trades—and to his credit, he made one happen. The Cowboys sent a third- and fifth-round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers for George Pickens and got a sixth-rounder in return.
Pickens is in the final year of his rookie deal. Rather than let him finish the contract and hit free agency, the Steelers moved him in a deal led by head coach Mike Tomlin.
For Dallas, the move is basically a one-year rental. Thanks to the compensatory pick system, if Pickens plays well and signs a big deal elsewhere, the Cowboys could get a third-round pick back in the 2026 draft.
Julian Edelman joined Colin Cowherd on “The Herd” to talk about the trade and the impact it could have.
MORE: Stephen A. Smith Roasts Cowboys After Pickens Trade
While he’s unsure how the Pickens addition will play out, Edelman is certain about one thing:
“Ultimately, Dak (Prescott)’s had weapons. What makes Dak good is when he has a run game. That’s the truth, and they didn’t get a big-time running back. I know they got a running back in the fifth round, and they got the Williams kid out of Denver. But that’s a quarterback’s best friend, is a run game.”
Edelman also said the offense should improve with Pickens in the mix. He thinks it’ll give Lamb more space to work and that Dak can manage this wide receiver group well.
Still, Edelman circled back to the running game. He’s worried the Cowboys don’t have a clear starter—and he has a point.
A Running Back Committee Might Not Be the Answer
Neither Javonte Williams nor Miles Sanders has proven to be a reliable franchise back in recent years. Williams had moments but struggled with a knee injury over four seasons in Denver and hasn’t looked the same. Sanders didn’t find his footing in Carolina and saw a dip in production.
Dallas did draft Texas running back Jaydon Blue in the fifth round. They hope he can contribute early, but as Edelman pointed out, someone in that room needs to step up if this offense is going to take off.
There are still options out there. Dez Bryant even called for the Cowboys to sign Nick Chubb this week after the Pickens deal. Chubb remains unsigned after returning from injury midway through the 2024 season.