When George Pickens arrived in Dallas this past May, few could have predicted the instant spark he’d bring to the Cowboys offense. After an uneven two-year stint with the >Pittsburgh Steelers, where frustration and inconsistency clouded his immense potential, the 24-year-old receiver has redefined himself in Texas.
Through seven games, Pickens has become Dallas‘s top target, with 36 catches on 54 targets for 607 yards and six touchdowns-already a career high.
It’s been a stunning transformation for a player once labeled a “locker room issue.” But with a new team, a new system, and a new quarterback in Dak Prescott, Pickens has thrived. He’s not just producing – he’s evolving into one of the most dangerous deep threats in football.
And according to the receiver himself, he’s more than open to making this his long-term home.
“I wouldn’t mind it,” Pickens told reporters about the possibility of signing an extension. “The guys in the locker room are super cool, the energy is great. I always want to showcase my talents.”
A new quarterback, a new beginning
Much of Pickens‘s resurgence can be traced back to Dak Prescott‘s remarkable play. The 32-year-old quarterback is leading the NFL in touchdown passes (16) and QBR (81.2), while powering Dallas‘s offense to 390.6 yards and 31.7 points per game-both near the top of the league.
That stability under center has given Pickens something he never consistently had in Pittsburgh: precision and trust.
“They are [the best wide receiver duo he’s ever played with],” Prescott said of Pickens and CeeDee Lamb. “That’s credit to the way they show up and work each and every day. That’s credit to the standard that they have for themselves. That’s credit to the love they have for one another, the way that they push one another. They definitely are. Those dudes are unbelievable.”
Under offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, Pickens has also become more efficient, posting a 67.9% catch rate and lining up outside on 88% of snaps – both career bests. His combination of size, speed, and improved route discipline has made him the go-to option in crunch time.
But the Cowboys‘ rise on offense isn’t just about brilliance – it’s also about necessity. The team’s defense has struggled mightily, surrendering over 400 yards per game and ranking near the bottom of the NFL in sacks and takeaways.
That imbalance has forced Prescott and company to stay aggressive, pushing Pickens into the spotlight.
When CeeDee Lamb went down with a high ankle sprain in Week 4, Pickens seized his opportunity. Over the next three weeks, he erupted for 470 yards and four touchdowns, including a two-score performance against the Green Bay Packers and a 168-yard showcase versus the Carolina Panthers.
Even after Lamb‘s return, Pickens remained a focal point, pulling in 82 yards on four catches in the win over the Washington Commanders.
Now, with Dallas sitting firmly in playoff contention, Pickens has not only silenced doubts about his attitude – he’s rewritten his narrative entirely. From a questioned talent in Pittsburgh to a reliable star in Dallas, his resurgence is fueled by two key figures: the quarterback who trusts him, and the teammate whose absence first gave him the stage.
The Cowboys might have plenty of issues to fix defensively, but one thing is certain – in George Pickens, they’ve found a cornerstone for their offense and a player who finally looks at home.
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