The Dallas Cowboys' blockbuster trade for George Pickens lends itself to believing perhaps the franchise can sneak back into the NFC East race. After losing Dak Prescott for the season, the Cowboys were forced to sit and watch as the Eagles and Commanders took over a division they have consistently won or contended for since Prescott's arrival in Dallas.
Adding Pickens has obviously caught the attention of the Cowboys' division rivals, with star receiver A.J. Brown commenting on the addition. The receiver starts out by saying the Eagles will have to "worry" about the star receiver before making it clear he welcomes the competition. This speaks to the supreme confidence of the Philly receiver who is coming off a Super Bowl win. Still, it is noteworthy that the first emotion the addition of Pickens garners is that of concern.
A.J. Brown Made It Clear the Eagles Must Worry About George Pickens
Brown's sentiments on the Dallas receiver speak to how wildly impactful Pickens has the ceiling to be. Yes, there is a level of risk taking on a receiver that has proven to be a wildcard. Pickens is noted for his lack of fighting for teammates if he isn't getting the football. There has also been consistent concerns of the receiver escalating situations against defenders.
This dates back to the receiver's college days, with the receiver missing key time for Georgia due to fighting the week before. Still, it is a risk the Cowboys needed to take for an offense that had grown stale. It is up to Dak Prescott and the Dallas coaching staff to help manage the player they know Pickens has consistently been throughout his career.
It is far more interesting to consider that the Cowboys' rivals view this as a worrisome addition. It wasn't viewed as a move that didn't mean anything to A.J. Brown, but one the receiver has noted and is worried about. While Brown might have gone on to expound that the team does welcome the competition, it is telling that the first emotion to be voiced was fear. This is the type of response the talent of Pickens demands and exactly why the Cowboys brought Pickens to Dallas.