George Pickens is enjoying a standout season with the Dallas Cowboys, showcasing his elite skills as a wide receiver. Heading into the momentous Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, the 24-year-old has achieved impressive statistics, with 67 receptions for 1,054 yards and eight touchdowns over 11 games.
His remarkable performance has attracted attention from sports analysts, including ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky, who recently posed the question of whether Pickens is the best wide receiver in the NFL. “I think [George] Pickens has absolutely played himself into the conversation for being the best receiver in football,” Orlovsky stated.
With ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler noting that Pickens is poised for a significant payday in the upcoming offseason, anticipation regarding his future is at an all-time high. Pickens first captured national attention as a second-round selection by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022, where he quickly developed into a formidable deep-threat receiver thanks to his impressive skills honed at the University of Georgia.
During his time in Pittsburgh, Pickens proved his worth by racking up consistent yardage despite facing challenges, including quarterback changes and off-field issues. His 2024 season concluded with 58 receptions for 900 yards and three touchdowns. The peak of his performance came in 2023 when he accumulated 63 catches for a career-high 1,140 yards and five touchdowns, leading the league with an impressive average of 18.1 yards per reception.
Despite behavioral concerns that led the Steelers to trade him earlier this year, Pickens took ownership of his past mistakes, indicating that the move has fostered his personal and professional growth. The trade saw him move to the Cowboys in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-rounder.
Currently, with an average of 15.7 yards per catch, Pickens ranks fifth in the league this season and sits second in total receiving yards. Teaming up with CeeDee Lamb in Dallas’s dynamic offense, fueled by Dak Prescott’s keen passing ability, Pickens poses a relentless threat to opposing defenses. Despite facing minor knee and calf concerns recently, he has been cleared to play against the Chiefs.
As the Cowboys contemplate potentially placing a franchise tag on him, Pickens’s trajectory suggests a future filled with multiple Pro Bowl selections and a lucrative career. The combination of talent, determination, and support from his team signals promising times ahead for this rising star in the NFL.