The Dallas Cowboys made a huge splash when they traded for WR George Pickens. The Cowboys badly needed to improve at receiver across from CeeDee Lamb, and that mission was accomplished with the addition of Pickens.
Fans didn't see that coming, considering Dallas gave up a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick to acquire him. Pickens is uber talented but doesn't have the most glowing reputation around the league. Some teams even "laughed" at the idea of trading for him.
He had his first conference call with team reporters on Thursday and made it clear he's focused on what's ahead, not what he's perceived to be.
Pickens said, "I can’t really change anyone’s opinion of me personally. I just continue to grow. I feel like everybody in the world has to grow. I’m trying to build a winning culture, which they already have with the Cowboys. Just glad to be joining it."
George Pickens is Happy to Land With Cowboys
Throughout his NFL career, Pickens has dealt with character concerns. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin even said last December that Pickens needed to "grow up".
The 24-year-old has had hiccups where he has fought on the field and lashed out on the sideline. These combinations of things make people think Pickens' character needs work, but he isn't worried about that.
He's looking to get off on the right foot with the Cowboys and keep those things in the past. Whether he'll be able to do that remains to be seen, but regardless, the Georgia product is a very talented player who will improve Dallas' offense.
In 48 career games, Pickens has recorded 174 catches for 2,841 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. He's a big play threat, as he averages 16.3 yards per reception.
He'll look to bring that dynamic element over to Dallas' aerial attack, but he will certainly need to keep his emotions in check. Especially since he's in the final year of his rookie deal and is in a contract year.