There have been mixed reviews regarding the George Pickens trade as some believe the Cowboys stole a No. 1 receiver, while others think trading a third-round pick (and more) for a potential headcase on an expiring deal is too rich.
However, there is no arguing that the Cowboys had to make a move after ignoring their receiver need in free agency and the draft. That's why they made the bold move to acquire Pickens: because they believe he can help takes this offense to another level.
How does the rest of the league view this move? Well, now we know after ESPN asked several NFL decision-makers, executives and coaches to discuss some of the biggest offseason moves. Here is what an AFC personnel man had to say about the Pickens acquisition.
"He'll be a big piece there. When he's covered, he's really open. I know the concerns are there, but I think having an already established passing game with veterans to help him along, and the fact he's in a contract year, will help keep him in line. If you can tap into what he can do fully, his major ability will shine through."
AFC personnel man raves about the Cowboys' George Pickens trade
The Cowboys are really hoping that having a leader like Dak Prescott and an established No. 1 receiver like CeeDee Lamb can help Pickens mature and settle into the offense. There is also the added benefit of Pickens entering a contract year, which, in theory, should force him into staying on his best behavior.
Lamb is one of the best receivers in the league, but for the offense to work, Dallas needed to find him a running mate. Look at the rest of the NFC contenders (Eagles, Commanders, Vikings, Lions, Packers, Rams) and you will notice that all of them have a viable No. 2 receiver. Jalen Tolbert and KaVontae Turpin are nice players, but they aren’t qualified to be the second option in the passing attack.
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The on-field fit is undeniable as Pickens gives the Cowboys another weapon who can stretch the field vertically. Lamb is at his best in the middle of the field, and Dallas loves to motion him all around the formation. But now that they have a viable X-receiver who can beat man-to-man coverage, teams won’t be able to double Lamb as often as they did last season.
Dallas is hoping that the presence of Lamb and Pickens can open up the run game, forcing fewer defenders to be in the box. Adding a player like Pickens should also help the wide receiver depth, as Tolbert and Turpin no longer have to be relied upon as every-down players. Instead, they can fill specific roles and should be able to feast on lesser cornerbacks.
The addition of Pickens really could be the piece that unlocks the rest of the offense for the Cowboys, but that is if he remains focused and doesn’t become a distraction. Unfortunately, that has been a problem for him at the NFL and college level.
Dallas is certainly taking a risk here, but they believe Pickens could be the ultimate difference-maker for their offense. And it sure sounds like the rest of the NFL believes that could be the case, too.