Grade the Pickens trade

[conner01]

and as usual you ignore the possible problems he brings

I’m not so sure the problems are as bad as some think. They’ve had a revolving door at QB and that’s an issue for a WR

 

[ICP]

I give it a solid 'D'. They give up a 3rd for headcase in the last year of his rookie deal that plays a position that could have been addressed in the draft or sign one of the remaining free agent WR to a one year deal and then get your WR next year. Lol, so Dallas has used a 4th and a 3rd on the WR position in the past two drafts and have picked up a Headcase and a Ghost

 

[CyberB0b]

It’s fine.

 

[Hawkeye19]

B

Talented player at a position of need. Compensation is high, makes no sense for a rental— but we will see how things play out.

He is a diva and a known problem child. He needs a fresh start in the worst way if he wants a big payday.

Hopefully he is motivated to earn the bag and his production on the field is all we are talking about in 2025.

It’s a splash trade to be sure. In theory, he is a great complimentary WR to Lamb.

With the Jones running the show what could possibly go wrong lol?

 

[DRella]

Definitely a A to A+ .

The need for a WR2 was a definite. They have acquired one. Why everyone is complaining about the acquisition cost is ludicrous. He's a 24 year old proven WR in the NFL. He is someone that will give you more immediately then any other 3rd round WR drafted. He will be extended as Jerry has never made a trade of this magnitude without having a second extension (Roy Williams, Amari Cooper).

Playing in Pittsburgh is not easy as a WR. Every WR in that system over the Tomlin tenure has had an issue with their play calling. Why would Pickens be any different. He is a WR that wants to produce and help his team win. I would want that from every player on the Cowboys roster. But Pittsburgh system isnt built for WR. So hence the problem.

Coming to Dallas with another star in the WR room will do wonders for Pickens. He will learn and be pushed by one of the best in the league. Not to mention Dallas doesnt make this trade if it means deploying a system like Pittsburghs. They already had that team make up without Pickens. This was about giving Dak more options and eliminating doubles on Lamb. They have succeeded to do that.

All indications state that Pickens got along with all of his teammates. The issue at WR in Pittsburgh has been and always will be Mike Tomlin and the scheme he likes to play. This will not be an issue in Dallas.

 

[fivetwos]

This smacks of selling more tickets, staying relevant in the media, rather than addressing the long term problems this team has.
This is because our GM is much better at marketing than roster construction.

Also probably a reaction to the running joke he created on himself with the “all in” followed by nearly zero activity.

They say one thing and do another constantly.

“We build through the draft” then trade high picks for receivers that won’t be here by the time they could ever fix the run defense with draft only. Let’s see how those 7th round DTs pan out.

It’s about headlines and making the Dak deal not look as bad as it’s going to be. Awful.

 

[HailstateCowboy]

Yeah let the complaint department begin

because they don't like anything Jerry does so they're going to call this guy a misfit locker room cancer and all that nonsense!!

this just elevated our wide receiver group from questionable after lamb to top 5 duo in the league and it makes Tolbert and Turpin even better because their depth is now at 3 and 4 when you add in Jaden blue what he can do out of the backfield with juice this tree just makes our offense all of a sudden dangerous in my opinion I know we have to see it on the field. They're working hard to fix the offensive line and now receiving threats since since the offseason and the draft this is an A plus trade this just makes it harder for teams now who are they going to double are they going to try to stack the box on the run and leave these dudes on the outside with all this talent it elevates the entire offense....​

You nailed it - good job.

 

[stiletto]

B+ mainly because we desperately needed another legit guy at WR. The 3rd was a little high, would've preferred a 4th but it is what it is. We'll see what happens. I like that the glaring weakness is gone. Pickens if he keeps his head in a game can be a real problem.

 

[CaptainAmerica12]

You think a good coach like Tomlin dumped Pickens because the press talked him into it?

You think Tomlin is a good coach?

 

[conner01]

Ok that's good. The Cowboys could get that pick back by trading back next draft. But Pickens is going to cost a lot in an extension. Something I did not think the Jones boys would do.

I think the cost depends on what he does this year. Unless they are extended there are several WR hitting FA next year. More in the market drives down the price. But giving up a 3rd is high if you don’t extend. I’d see right now what his agent is thinking.

 

[deerhunter11]

I always like to read what the diehards on the other team's message board have to say. Overall, Steelers fans are NOT happy. In fact they are mad.

If Pittsburgh fans are mad about the trade then it is a good trade for Dallas, CeeDee Lamb will see a lot less double coverage. This will make the Cowboys offense more balanced and more potent. I voted B plus on the trade.

 

[Nova]

Makes Mingo trade go from a C- to a F-
Literally wasn’t a4th for a WR3 who shouldn’t even be 3 most of the time since we have better options. But picken a solid b, only gripe is the one year but would have cost more if he had more years. Huge improvement at WR2

The trade compensation for a rental of Picken's caliber makes sense. You can't feasibly get him for less.

My gripe is trading for a rental when we have a lot of holes and a clear ceiling.

And if you can extend Pickens and have him controlled for a low cap hit, then that's great... but it's Pickens and his personality that you would have to gamble on.

 

[Majic]

'D' for me. In typical Jerry style a huge overpay. Can't imagine they will sign him to an extension, I think there will be friction in the locker room.

I just don't understand why you would give up such a high pick for one year.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

You think Tomlin is a good coach?

Yes.

 

[TrailBlazer]

What grade do you give the Pickens trade

I'll give it an A-. We had to do something to fix this WR corp. Pickens can't come here and behave the way he did in Pittsburgh though. This is his big opportunity to prove himself. Dont blow it kid. Also, will Schotty maximize his potential in his offense?

 

[SwagSurfer]

A+

We got a rare specimen who has a monster catch radius and is unguardable on a deep ball. Im not worried about his contract at all.

 

[ChronicCowboy]

Pickens is pretty overrated but a 3rd round pick isn’t crazy. I’m more concerned about his impact on the locker room. I grade it a D.

 

[Cowboy4ever]

F - traded away resources for a player that will not make a difference on how the season ends. It would end the exact same way with or without this player - no SB. Waste of future resources for no return on investment.

 

[John813]

C. Too early to grade it as a hit nor as a failure.
There's some upside but some downside.

He's on one more year of his ELC, for better or worse.
Can he "grow up" this year and be more team based than just thinking about himself? Cut down on penalties? If so, then it's a good trade.

If he wants to wait till next year for a deal, then will he price himself out of what Dallas may want to pay him?

 

[conner01]

The trade compensation for a rental of Picken's caliber makes sense. You can't feasibly get him for less.

My gripe is trading for a rental when we have a lot of holes and a clear ceiling.

And if you can extend Pickens and have him controlled for a low cap hit, then that's great... but it's Pickens and his personality that you would have to gamble on.

I agree the comp for Pickens isn’t sb issue. My point was it drops the need for Mingo who you gave a 4th for. I think WR2 was our biggest need after the draft though not the only weak spots we have. But if we can get offende rolling that helps the defense