Once his third Steelers campaign came to an end, it was decided George Pickens would not continue his career in Pittsburgh. A trade was ultimately worked out, which allowed the Cowboys to add him to their receiving corps.
Pickens has one year remaining on his rookie deal so that an extension would have been possible upon arrival. Instead, the 24-year-old’s attention is focused on playing out his contract year, meaning this could prove to be a one-year rental for Dallas. Pickens’ first impressions with the Cowboys have been positive, though.
“Oh yeah, most definitely,” the former second-rounder said (via The Athletic’s Jon Machota) when asked if would be open to remaining in Dallas beyond the coming season. “Because I’ve watched the team for so long, and the camaraderie. I kind of understand the camaraderie more than I did in Pittsburgh… I think I definitely understand it more here, the people more here than I did [with the Steelers].”
Off-field issues such as character and punctuality were talking points during Pickens’ time in Pittsburgh. Head coach Mike Tomlin went as far as publicly noting the Georgia product needed to “grow up,” making it little surprise a parting of ways was deemed beneficial for all involved. Pickens striking an optimistic tone concerning his acclimation with his new team only means so much before the regular season has even started, of course, but it is at least a positive start to his Dallas tenure.
The Cowboys have CeeDee Lamb attached to a $34M-per-year pact through the 2028 season. He will be counted on to continue operating as the team’s No. 1 receiver this year and for many more after that, but intrigue exists with Pickens in the fold as the second member of what could be a strong tandem. Averaging 16.3 yards per reception across his three Steelers campaigns, Pickens established himself as one of the league’s best vertical threats. Another productive season this year will set him up well in free agency.
A second contract will be lucrative regardless of where it comes from if Pickens can deliver on expectations in 2025. At this point, at least, the door is open to his next pact, allowing him to stay in place with the Cowboys.
