Brett's Cowboys Corner

As the sun rose Wednesday morning, the Cowboys finalized a deal to send a 2026 3rd-round pick and a 2027 5th-round pick to Pittsburgh in exchange for George Pickens while also picking up a 2027 6th-round pick.

Cowboys fans expressed their displeasure of the avoidance at WR in the draft. The Cowboys passed up on Matthew Golden in the first round of the draft and as the rounds progressed, Dallas went toward other positions.

I was nervous about this wide receiver room, as it seemed like Lamb and a bunch of hopefuls. They needed outside help.

There were strong rumors for Dallas to add a veteran receiver, names like Amari Cooper were leading that front. The Cowboys made it clear they valued adding a true WR2, and finally they got the deal done.

George Pickens is entering his 4th season in the NFL at age 24, he is 6’3″ with long arms and is dominant at locating the football. He tracked down some poor throws last year and regardless of the coverage he will bring it down. He averaged 162 receptions and 1,006 yards in three years.

Pickens seems to catch everything. Russel Wilson and Justin Fields threw prayers down the field, but somehow Pickens always came down with it. He shows flashes as a runner after the catch. You will see slants and crossers, Pickens will use his physicality to lower the shoulder and run through defenders.

Pickens will fit right into the starting lineup. As the physical outside receiver lining up on the line of scrimmage. He is a deep ball threat. Pickens will take some pressure off Ceedee Lamb and allow Lamb to move around more and be a slot focus.

X WR	George Pickens	Johnathan Mingo	Ryan Flournoy	Kelvin Harmon
Z WR	Jalen Tolbert	Parris Campbell	Jalen Brooks	Traeshon Holden
Slot WR	Ceedee Lamb	KaVontae Turpin	Jalen Cropper	Josh Kelly

Looking at the best Dak Prescott season in 2023, we saw Lamb have 135 receptions and 1749 yards. In that same year, Brandin Cooks have 54 receptions and 657 yards. I think Pickens being a receiver that works down the field more, he will project closer to 850 yards. Pickens will take the pressure off Lamb and help get his usage down.

There are some concerns floating around with Pickens. He had a few problems in Pittsburgh, that also root back to his time at the University of Georgia. He has had frustration with coaches and quarterbacks because of targets. During games he will bark at the refs if he feels like they missed a holding call or pass interference.

He needs someone to help keep him level headed in the locker room. Coach Schottenheimer has said his goal is to build relationships with players and create the best culture in the NFL. You don’t get to claim to have a great culture if you just fill the team with ‘good leaders’ and ‘safe players.’ Building a great culture is taking fiery personalities and guiding them onto the right path.

That opens the door for not only Dak Prescott to continue to keep teammates level-headed but presents a new opportunity for Ceedee Lamb. Lamb is only two years older than Pickens but as the 136 million dollar receiver and the #1 guy in the room, it will be critical for him to step up in the WR meetings and keep everyone on the same page.

The other concern we will put off until next year. Pickens is due for a contract. He said he won’t be looking to sign this offseason, instead he wants to prove he is one of the best receivers in the league, and get his money next May.