George Pickens is embracing a “fresh start” following his trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Dallas Cowboys during the 2025 NFL offseason. As he prepares for his inaugural training camp with the Cowboys, Pickens expressed excitement about the opportunity to play in a more dynamic offensive system.
During a news conference, Pickens seemed to critique the Steelers’ approach to offense, stating, “I’m definitely excited to run better plays.” This remark hints at his desire for a more varied role than what he experienced in Pittsburgh, where he was often labeled primarily as a deep-ball threat.
Throughout his three seasons in Pittsburgh, Pickens showcased solid production, averaging 58 receptions for 947 yards and four touchdowns per year. However, the Steelers’ offense did not perform well overall, ranking 27th and 22nd in yards per play during his first two seasons under offensive coordinator Matt Canada, and reaching a 25th-ranked finish in 2024 under Arthur Smith.
In contrast, the Dallas Cowboys have had a stronger passing offense historically. While injuries hampered Dak Prescott and the Cowboys ranked 28th in expected points added (EPA) per pass play in 2024, they had previously secured top-10 rankings in both 2022 and 2023.
Pickens believes he could play a pivotal role in revitalizing the Dallas offense and views himself as a perfect complement to star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. He confidently remarked that the two could form one of the best wide receiver duos in the NFL. “Just different types of styles of play… So, when you mesh that together, it’s like Mario Bros. We definitely can do something special,” Pickens said.
With his eagerness and the promise of a more potent offensive system in Dallas, Pickens is positioning himself for a breakthrough season. The Cowboys may benefit significantly from his skills and dynamic playing style, potentially transforming their aerial attack into an explosive offensive force.