The Cowboys entered the offseason needing a complement to wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, and Stephen Jones believes Dallas landed more than that in George Pickens.
“Everybody says we’re looking for a (number) two,” the Cowboys executive vice president and director of player personnel told Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. “I mean, George can be a one. He’s got that type of talent.”
The Cowboys acquired Pickens in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers last week. Dallas sent Pittsburgh a third-round pick and the Steelers also will benefit from a late-round pick swap in the deal.
Steelers general manager Omar Khan and head coach Mike Tomlin felt it was in the best interest of both parties to go their separate ways, likely rooted in Pickens’ display of on-field frustrations in 2024. Tomlin reportedly pushed for the trade.
Jones and company, on the other hand, have high hopes for Pickens given his talent. They like the “edge” he plays with, as well.
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“He’s just a dynamic receiver,” Jones told Breer. “He’s got unbelievable ball-tracking ability. He’s got plenty of juice and he’s a fiery competitor. And we love that, he plays with an edge, and we think he’d be a good fit for our team.”
Jones indicated the Cowboys did some digging on receivers available via trade before they entered the draft, including Pickens. It was ultimately the avenue Dallas came back to after selecting other highly regarded players at different positions of need.
More: George Pickens Calls Out Steelers Fans For ‘Straight Lies’ After Trade
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