The Dallas Cowboys are confident in their decision to acquire wide receiver George Pickens, who underwent a sour departure from the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason.
Through all the backlash that’s followed Pickens from Pittsburgh to Dallas, Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer stands firmly in defense of the 24-year-old.
“My time with him has just been incredible,” Schottenheimer said, per PennLive’s Nick Farabaugh. “I think we’re really excited about what he brings as a football player, but I see a guy that’s maturing. I see a guy that we’re excited to put out there and watch him grow and get better. … I love watching him in meetings, because in meetings he’s been so dialed in, taking great notes.”
Pickens butted heads with Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, grew increasingly agitated with the bleak contract extension talks taking place in Pittsburgh, while the franchise planned for the breakup. The Steelers acquired two-time Pro Bowl wideout DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks and immediately signed him to a five-year, $150 million extension. The writing was on the wall, and the Cowboys identified the situation as an opportunity.
Dallas sent a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick to Pittsburgh in exchange for Pickens and a 2027 sixth-round pick.
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The Steelers selected Pickens in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He totaled 59 catches for 900 yards and three touchdowns last season before entering the final season of his rookie contract. With all the drama that had brewed, Pickens secured himself a one-way ticket out of Pittsburgh following a three-year run.
Even though the Cowboys feel assured of their choice, there remains a risk factor in entrusting Pickens moving forward.
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