The Dallas Cowboys made a major addition to their offense on Wednesday when they acquired George Pickens in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers. While Pickens is an incredibly talented player who has shown he can produce, the trade raises some big questions for the Cowboys.
Here are five storylines to monitor as Pickens enters his first season in Dallas:
How will Pickens handle being a No. 2 wide receiver?
Though Pittsburgh’s offense was lackluster throughout Pickens’ first three NFL seasons, the former Georgia star was the top option in the passing game. His 59 catches last season were second on the team behind tight end Pat Freiermuth, but Pickens made explosive plays and led the Steelers by a wide margin with 900 receiving yards. He had a team-leading 63 catches and 1,140 yards in 2023.
Pickens will be the second option behind CeeDee Lamb in the passing game in Dallas. For a player who was openly frustrated when the Steelers could not get him involved, you have to wonder how Pickens would feel about having some quiet games in Dallas.
Do the Cowboys plan to extend Pickens?
Pickens is entering the final season of his rookie contract. Lamb signed a four-year, $136M extension with Dallas last offseason. If Pickens has a good year, he will want to be paid like a No. 1 wide receiver.
Are the Cowboys willing to pay two receivers top-wideout money? They might consider it if their offense looks unstoppable, but a deal like that could potentially cost them other star players. Micah Parsons is still seeking a new contract, and the pass-rusher would not be pleased if his new teammate gets one first.
Can a first-time head coach keep Pickens in line?
Several unflattering headlines about Pickens surfaced throughout the 2024 season. He reportedly showed up late to multiple practices and even one game and got into trouble on the field.
Head coach Mike Tomlin once said that Pickens “needs to grow up.” The 24-year-old is the type of player who may need tough love at times. It is fair to wonder if new HC Brian Schottenheimer will provide it.
Is Lamb willing to give up targets?
Lamb has had 150 or more targets in the past three seasons. If Pickens were to become a significant part of the Cowboys’ offense, that number would almost certainly dip.
Lamb is the type of explosive playmaker who can make things happen with limited opportunities, but all elite wide receivers want the ball. Dak Prescott will now be tasked with keeping two top wide receivers fed, which could challenge the quarterback.
Did the Cowboys pull off the steal of the offseason?
Pickens certainly has some character concerns, but his talent is undeniable. He has shown that he can make mind-blowing catches that alter the outcome of games.
The Steelers have had a revolving door at quarterback in recent years, which has capped Pickens’ upside. Pickens essentially cost the Cowboys nothing more than a mid-round draft pick. If he can remain focused and live up to his potential, the sky should be his limit under Schottenheimer in Dallas.
