FRISCO - The Dallas Cowboys desperately needed an upgrade to their receiving corps this offseason. Fans expressed grave concerns when the draft and free agency passed without any solutions though the Cowboys had an ace up their sleeve.
Days removed from the draft they finalized a trade to bring in George Pickens, providing a firm solution for that positional need.
If the fit on paper translates to the field, the trade will stand as an absolute home run for the Cowboys. Pickens' ability to stretch the field and win in contested situations perfectly complements the skills of CeeDee Lamb, forming a powerful tandem out wide.
It's an ideal tandem for quarterback Dak Prescott to go into next season working with. However, some character and attitude questions linger around Pickens stemming from several incidents during his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Now, some time has passed. Prescott recently hosted his annual retreat for his passing game teammates in Georgia.
At one point, Dak is now relaying, Pickens brought up some of Prescott’s college exploits.
“You don’t know about my Mississippi State college days unless you’re a football guy, right?” Prescott said with a smile.
But seriously, the relationship-building on the trip?
“That to me deletes a lot of things that you’ve heard in the past about (Pickens),” Prescott said. “Great dude, loves his teammates and excited as hell for this season. I know he is. I know he’s excited to be in a fresh new spot, and I’m excited about what he’s going to do for us.”
Prescott is echoing some of his initial thoughts upon meeting Pickens at The Star right after the trade.
“The guy, he’s been great, he’s been phenomenal. 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.”
The Cowboys have not progressed to an in-game situation with Pickens just yet, so there's technically no proof he's a changed man from the last three seasons with the Steelers. However, these evaluations from Dallas' unquestioned leader does bode well for the young receiver.
Pickens has an adjustment to make going from an offense's No. 1 to a secondary option. This will certainly be the best offense he has played in, but there will be days when Lamb collects much of the shine and Pickens will not get the same featured role.
Conversely, that dynamic could flip around entirely where Pickens sees bigger days while Lamb draws extra defensive attention.
The Cowboys' success this season hinges on all involved embracing the fit and seeing the bigger picture. All indications are to this point that Prescott, Pickens and the rest understand that responsibility.