Brian Schottenheimer's promotion to Dallas Cowboys head coach was not received well, but it has not taken long for Schottenheimer to endear himself to the fan base.
Between putting together a highly compelling coaching staff, headlined by offensive coordinator Klayton Adams, and making sure to sign and draft high-character players who have natural leadership skills, Schottenheimer has not put a foot wrong.
Granted, Schottenheimer has not coached a game or called a single play (it is widely assumed he will be the offense's shot-caller), but the early returns are very promising. The first-year head coach looks more than cut out for the gig and he proved that again in light of a recent report from The Athletic's Dianna Russini.
Russini confirmed that the Cowboys were one of the teams that inquired about Steelers wide receiver George Pickens before the NFL Draft. Russini now expects the trade smoke following Pickens to cool down.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) April 29, 2025George Pickens' name was tossed around in trade discussions this past week. The Cowboys were one of the teams that discussed bringing in the Steelers' wideout, sources tell me.
But with the draft in the rearview, expect the trade buzz to cool surrounding Pickens. pic.twitter.com/bH25A76RhX
Brian Schottenheimer, Cowboys passing on George Pickens trade was absolutely the right call
Pickens' ability to create splash plays on the perimeter and take the top off of defenses is an ideal complement to CeeDee Lamb. While Lamb checks every box as a receiver, Pickens fits the possession receiver label to a tee. He has an expansive catch radius and often comes down with tough catches.
The problem with Pickens is his on-field antics and overall body language when things aren't going well. While a dynamic talent, he is susceptible to losing sight of the bigger picture and commits selfish acts that damage his team's chances of winning.
Whether it's picking fights with opposing defensive backs, arguing with fans or showing up late on game day, Pickens is a ticking time bomb. Cowboys fans might remember Pickens yanking Jourdan Lewis by the facemask on the final play of the teams' Week 5 game on Sunday Night Football. It was a sore loser move and Pickens is lucky Lewis was not injured.
The Cowboys badly need a WR2 to start opposite Lamb. That explains their reported interest in reuniting with Amari Cooper.
However, Pickens' troublemaking tendencies are not worth the on-field production, especially being that Schottenheimer has sought out leadership qualities and players who love football. Not only do those players have the best chance of realizing their potential, but they are the ones coaches and players want to go to war with.
Pickens falls on the opposite end of that spectrum.
Just 24 years old, there is time for Pickens to restore his reputation. The Cowboys should not take that chance. Assuming they don't circle back, they dodged a potential disaster.
