The Dallas Cowboys made a significant addition to their offense on Wednesday after they acquired George Pickens in a commerce with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Whereas Pickens is an extremely gifted participant who has proven he can produce, the commerce raises some massive questions for the Cowboys.
Listed below are 5 storylines to observe as Pickens enters his first season in Dallas:
How will Pickens deal with being a No. 2 vast receiver?
Although Pittsburgh’s offense was lackluster all through Pickens’ first three NFL seasons, the previous Georgia star was the highest possibility within the passing recreation. His 59 catches final season had been second on the team behind tight finish Pat Freiermuth, however Pickens made explosive performs and led the Steelers by a large margin with 900 receiving yards. He had a team-leading 63 catches and 1,140 yards in 2023.
Pickens would be the second possibility behind CeeDee Lamb within the passing recreation in Dallas. For a participant who was overtly annoyed when the Steelers couldn’t get him concerned, it’s important to surprise how Pickens would really feel about having some quiet video games in Dallas.
Do the Cowboys plan to increase Pickens?
Pickens is getting into the ultimate season of his rookie contract. Lamb signed a four-year, $136M extension with Dallas final offseason. If Pickens has an excellent yr, he’ll need to be paid like a No. 1 vast receiver.
Are the Cowboys keen to pay two receivers top-wideout cash? They may contemplate it if their offense seems to be unstoppable, however a deal like that might probably price them different star gamers. Micah Parsons is still seeking a new contract, and the pass-rusher wouldn’t be happy if his new teammate will get one first.
Can a first-time head coach preserve Pickens in line?
A number of unflattering headlines about Pickens surfaced all through the 2024 season. He reportedly confirmed up late to a number of practices and even one game and got into trouble on the sector.
Head coach Mike Tomlin as soon as stated that Pickens “needs to grow up.” The 24-year-old is the kind of participant who may have robust love at instances. It’s truthful to surprise if new HC Brian Schottenheimer will present it.
Is Lamb keen to surrender targets?
Lamb has had 150 or more targets up to now three seasons. If Pickens had been to turn into a major a part of the Cowboys’ offense, that quantity would nearly actually dip.
Lamb is the kind of explosive playmaker who could make issues occur with restricted alternatives, however all elite vast receivers need the ball. Dak Prescott will now be tasked with maintaining two high vast receivers fed, which might problem the quarterback.
Did the Cowboys pull off the steal of the offseason?
Pickens actually has some character issues, however his expertise is simple. He has proven that he can make mind-blowing catches that alter the end result of video games.
The Steelers have had a revolving door at quarterback lately, which has capped Pickens’ upside. Pickens basically price the Cowboys nothing more than a mid-round draft pick. If he can stay centered and dwell as much as his potential, the sky must be his restrict underneath Schottenheimer in Dallas.
