Locker room reputation goes a long way for a player’s NFL career. For the Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens, he’s run into a lot of criticism early on during his career as he navigated through his first couple of seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
After Pickens wrapped up his third season with the Steelers, the standout receiver was evidently on the trade block. The Cowboys eyed him up from the NFC, got on the phone with Pittsburgh, and made a deal happen to acquire another weapon for Dak Prescott.
The Steelers traded Pickens and a 2027 sixth-round pick in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick.
Did the Cowboys land a problem? Dak Prescott made it clear that the early stages of the Pickens experience have gone nothing like the public suggested it would.
“That’s why I don’t think you should ever really listen to what somebody else says about somebody. I think you should judge everyone, not judge, but find out for yourself who they are and allow them to reveal their character to you,” Prescott told reporters on Thursday, according to The Athletic’s Jon Machota.
A lot can happen over time throughout the trials and tribulations of an NFL season, so it’s certainly too early to say that Pickens’ fresh start in Dallas will generate better results than his short time in Pittsburgh. But Prescott and the Cowboys aren’t going to stress about the what-ifs. The quarterback is just embracing the now.
“The guy, he’s been great, he’s been phenomenal,” Prescott added, via The Athletic.
“He’s a guy that loves football, loves his teammates. He’s been excited every day that he’s been here. He’s been early. So, no concerns on the personal matters of GP and anything about it. Just super excited that he’s on our team. He’s one of us. He’s a brother, and it’s just about continuing to grow and make sure we’re putting the best out there. That’s his approach.”
Production wasn’t really an issue for Pickens out in Pittsburgh. After landing with the Steelers as a second-round pick, Pickens caught 52 passes for 801 yards and four touchdowns during his rookie season. In year two, he upped his production with 63 catches for 1,140 yards and five touchdowns.
After appearing in 17 games in each of his first two seasons in Pittsburgh, Pickens saw the field for just 14 games in 2024. Still, he finished the year with 900 yards and three touchdowns. Not only will Pickens get a fresh start from the organization where he struggled to fit in comfortably within the locker room, but he’ll join a Dallas team that has stability at the quarterback position.
There’s pressure on Prescott to get on track after an injury-filled 2024. The Cowboys are betting on Pickens to be another weapon to get Prescott where he needs to be.
