The concern with star wide receiver George Pickens has never been about his talent.
Most, including his former employer the Pittsburgh Steelers, seem to believe Pickens’ issues lies between the ears.
And though the 24-year-old wideout had some behavioral issues during his three years in Pittsburgh, that didn’t stop the Dallas Cowboys from ponying up the third-round pick that it took to pry him away from the Steelers just a week ago.
While Pickens did have some run-ins with his quarterbacks in Pittsburgh—his dad took shots at both Kenny Pickett and Mitch Trubisky, and he and Russell Wilson took subtle shots at each other through the media last season—that doesn’t seem to be a concerns for his new QB Dak Prescott.
During a radio appearance on 96.7 The Ticket in Dallas, Prescott shared an honest assessment of Pickens and what he brings to the table.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott
© Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
“You turn on the tape and you see a guy that can catch the football,” Prescott said. “You put the football anywhere in his vicinity, very strong hands. More than a 50/50 catcher. He thinks it’s his ball when it’s in the air. I’m excited for him. I know that we need some help at that position.
“I know CeeDee (Lamb) needs some help and I think when you have a guy like that, I heard George say it, it’s hard to double team two guys. Then when you got other guys, whether it be [Jake Ferguson], Jalen Tolbert, (Jonathan) Mingo, guys who have had reps and know how to get open in the league, I think we’re putting together a nice group of weapons.”
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) celebrates his first down reception during the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) celebrates his first down reception during the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium.
Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
Pickens had a down year in 2024 after his breakout 2023 season, in which he caught 63 passes for 1,140 yards and five touchdowns.
While catching passes from both Wilson and Justin Fields, who started Pittsburgh’s first six games (they won four of them), Pickens logged 59 receptions, 900 yards and just three touchdowns.
But given the attention Lamb commands, its likely Pickens could be much more productive, and even get back to his 1,000-yard form, in Dallas’ offense where he’s a strong No. 2 option and not having to carry a lackluster wide receiver corps by himself while getting double-teamed on a weekly basis.