George Pickens is having a heck of a year so far for the Dallas Cowboys. Entering Thursday’s Thanksgiving Day battle against the Kansas City Chiefs, the 24-year-old Pickens has tallied 67 catches for 1,054 yards and eight touchdowns in 11 games this season. That type of production from Pickens got ESPN’s NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky wondering aloud this week whether or not Pickens is the best wide receiver in the National Football League. With ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler recently writing that Pickens is in line for (and expects) a “massive payday” this coming offseason in free agency, the discourse surrounding Pickens is at an all-time high volume. Pickens exploded onto the NFL scene as a second-round pick for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022, a towering wide receiver from Georgia known for his unstoppable downfield ability. Over three seasons in Pittsburgh, he established himself as a deep-threat specialist, amassing consistent yardage despite quarterback inconsistencies and occasional off-field distractions. Now, in his fourth year, Pickens is thriving with Dak Prescott and the Cowboys. Story continues below advertisement In Pittsburgh, Pickens posted 58 receptions for 900 yards and three touchdowns in 13 games during the 2024 regular season, adding 87 yards and a score in a playoff loss to Baltimore. His 2023 campaign peaked with 63 catches for 1,140 yards (his career high) and five scores, leading the NFL at 18.1 yards per reception. Behavioral issues, including penalties and tardiness, contributed to the Steelers’ decision to trade him on May 7, 2025, for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-rounder. Pickens later reflected, “I made some mistakes. I’ll own that,” crediting the move for his growth. Pickens’s 15.7 yards per catch this season in Dallas ranks fifth league-wide, and he’s second in total receiving yards. Paired with CeeDee Lamb in an offense fueled by Prescott’s precise arm, he’s become a nightmare for the rest of the NFL. Minor knee and calf tweaks have emerged recently, but Pickens is cleared for Thanksgiving against Kansas City. Story continues below advertisement Dallas is reportedly considering a franchise tag to retain him. Either way, his trajectory points toward multiple Pro Bowls and a lucrative future.