The Dallas Cowboys will open the 2025 NFL season at the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday night, Sept. 4, which means the circus will be in town.
Since America’s Team last won a Super Bowl, Jerry Jones has been more of P.T. Barnum than a championship-caliber owner and general manager. Three decades have passed, and for all his bravado, he has failed to build a team capable of reaching the NFC Championship. Does Jones care? His franchise has been financially rewarded for its mediocrity. Dallas is the world’s most valuable sports team and the biggest TV ratings draw in U.S. sports.
Earlier in May, Dallas made a move that will keep it in the spotlight. Acquiring talented but troubled George Pickens adds another star to the roster who can take the pressure off CeeDee Lamb. Pickens thrived with the Pittsburgh Steelers despite limited quarterback play and a limited offense. He was one of the few playmakers on a team that lacked explosiveness.
With little hesitation, the Steelers ditched the Pickens experience. Young, talented wide receivers on cheap rookie deals are hard to find. So, the desperate Cowboys gladly brought him in. You have to wonder: What does Pittsburgh know that Dallas doesn’t? The Steelers have gotten rid of star receivers before, and with the notable exception of Emmanuel Sanders, most haven’t been as productive after leaving.
Now imagine George Pickens making these catches in Dallas ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/w4d6LwORws
— NFL (@NFL) May 18, 2025
For all of Pickens’ reported issues, the risk for Dallas is low. He’s in the final year of his rookie deal. In search of a new contract, Pickens will be motivated to be on his best behavior. So far, the fourth-year wideout is saying all the “right” things, according to NFL.com: “I’m not really thinking about contract talks. I’m just glad to be here at Cowboys right now, you know, trying to build a winning culture.”
Doubt him if you want. Pickens and the Cowboys have earned your distrust. Jones has put together teams capable of winning fantasy football trophies, not necessarily Vince Lombardi. But from a strategic on-the-field point of view, Pickens looks like the ideal complement to Lamb. NFL analyst Warren Sharp has described Pickens and Lamb as a “perfect match.”
this is wild
Dak Prescott last 2 years:
#1 most pass yds on 15+ yd go routes
#2 most att on 15+ yd go routes
George Pickens last 2 years:
#1 most rec yds on 15+ yd go routes
#2 most catches on 15+ yd go routes
Dak also #3 best accuracy of 40 QBshttps://t.co/5psYJ187vE
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) May 7, 2025
Dak Prescott, returning from injury, was an MVP runner-up two seasons ago. He has never had a No. 2 receiver as good as Pickens.
“He is a contested-catch freak,” Sharp said on his YouTube channel. He added, “George Pickens on the outside allows Lamb to work more from the slot, which helps open up this Cowboys offense. “
Everyone, including the defending Super Bowl champions, is curious to see how this experiment will work.
Philadelphia Eagles star wide receiver A.J. Brown said: “We’re going to have to worry about (Dallas), for sure. We’re going to have to worry about them. No, I like the trade. I do like the trade. I like the competition. I like George Pickens, I like CeeDee Lamb. And they collab. It’s going to be exciting to watch.”
Pickens is the latest attraction in the Cowboys’ ongoing circus. He could be an extremely entertaining weapon. Because of Dallas’ track record of playoff losses, few people believe this move will be enough to contend for a championship.
No matter what happens. Pickens with America’s Team will be anything but dull.