The Dallas Cowboys were much more aggressive this offseason when it came to trying to add talent. After a very disappointing 2024 offseason, the Cowboys made several trades, including adding a bonafide No. 2 receiver to their offense.
The acquisition of George Pickens was a surprising one, but it made sense considering the Cowboys did not select a single receiver during the 2025 NFL Draft. The expectation around league circles was that Tetairoa McMillan, the star receiver from Arizona, would have been their preferred target at No. 12. But he did not make it to that spot after the Panthers selected him at No. 8.
The Cowboys didn’t love this receiver class, but it was apparent shortly after the draft that Dallas had a clear backup plan in place. And that plan was to acquire Pickens to pair with CeeDee Lamb for the 2025 season. Pickens is entering the final year of his contract, and the Cowboys have no plans to give him a new deal at this time. But that could work out for both parties, as Pickens will need to be on his best behavior to earn a new deal in Dallas.
While the trade earned mixed reviews across the league, several outlets believed the Cowboys had stolen Pickens this offseason and that a future third-round pick was a bargain for a player of his talent. Gary Davenport, a national NFL writer for Bleacher Report, believes the acquisition of Pickens was one of the league’s best offseason moves.
Cowboys' George Pickens trade continues to receive rave reviews
Here are Davenport's thoughts on the Cowboys' new wide receiver:
"The Dallas Cowboys head into every season with Texas-sized aspirations, but the team also had a 10-gallon hole at wide receiver opposite CeeDee Lamb. George Pickens had an up-and-down three years in Pittsburgh, but he never had less than 800 receiving yards in a season and the potential to be an excellent No. 2 receiver in Dallas. For a Day 2 pick in 2026 (plus a pick swap), Pickens is more than worth the "risk.""
Gary Davenport, Bleacher Report
There is no doubt that the Cowboys had to address their wide receiver need this offseason, and once the draft was completed, Pickens was arguably the best option available. There are some serious flaws to his game, and the character concerns are documented.
However, the Cowboys had no choice of being a playoff contender with their current receiving corps, and that’s why it could end up being a worthwhile risk for Dallas.
Pickens has already been fitting in well with the Cowboys, and the fact that Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb have taken him under their wings is a good sign for his long-term outlook. We’ll have to wait and see how the relationship works out, but this is a good risk for Dallas to take, with the downside being out only a 2026 third-round pick.
