FRISCO - The Dallas Cowboys went into this offseason hoping to land a No. 2 receiver to complement star CeeDee Lamb.
But what if they wound up getting a No. 1a instead?
There is obvious risk in the Cowboys' trade for George Pickens. The talented receiver had more than his share of emotional outbursts on the field and, reportedly, in the locker room. But vice president Stephen Jones served on the NFL's Competition Committee with Pittsburgh Steelers' coach Mike Tomlin, and the decision was made that Pickens was worth the gamble.
Not only because he would be a good fit opposite Lamb, but also because he has the skill to be most team's top target.
“He’s just a dynamic receiver,” Jones said in an interview with Sports Illustrated. “Everybody says we’re looking for a number two. I mean, George can be a one. He’s got that type of talent. 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.”
Obviously Lamb and his $34 million contract will remain Dak Prescott's go-to weapon. But to many fans, the bold trade for Pickens - warts and all - was a sign that the Cowboys are finally delivering on their infamous 2024 promise to be "all in."
“I don’t buy into all that. Name one person that isn’t all in,” Jones said. “I’d hate the fans to hear their owner say that people aren’t all in, when you’re competing in the NFL. I mean, it’s kind of a joke. Every year we line up, we’re moving our chips in.”