The Pros and Cons of acquiring George Pickens

[Rayman70]

For the Steelers, Pickens was the leading receiver in two out of his three NFL seasons after being selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Georgia. While his role will likely be different with the Cowboys alongside Lamb, he's not one to assign labels like "WR1" or "WR2."

"You guys making a 1A and 1B and all this, honestly that's the first time I've heard of any of that stuff," Pickens said. "I feel like two receivers are kind of normal. When I used to watch football, there was always a good receiver and then there was another good receiver on the side of him. I just feel like we're going to work off each other very well."

https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/...ee-lamb-you-won-t-be-able-to-double-everybody

Agree. The guy can ball.

 

[plymkr]

I hope he does that. I’m wondering too if he could price his way out of here. Surely he won’t become a one year rental.

This is my biggest “con” of the trade. Pretty pricey for a one year rental. I hope he behaves himself and finds his niche in Dallas and stays for a manageable price. But at the same time if he balls out and leaves us for 30 million APY then we may receive a 3rd round comp pick so in essence we’re renting him out to swap picks in the 3rd.

But my biggest concern about a one year rental isn’t the salary as much as what if we surprise the league and make it to the NFCCG/Super Bowl and Pickens balances out our offense in the same way Irvin and Harper did in the 90’s. I would hate to have one year of this balance and succeed and then lose him and go back to square one with looking for another WR2. That’s the lingering concern with him being in a one year rental for me.

All in all I still am in favor of the gamble. I liked the gamble with Lance, I liked the gamble with Milton and I like the gamble with Pickens. I appreciate the effort. Even if it’s a swing and a miss I’d rather swing than stay put. So I guess I’m happy with it and happy with our GM. And it’s been a long time since I’ve said that, lol.

 

[CCBoy]

This is my biggest “con” of the trade. Pretty pricey for a one year rental. I hope he behaves himself and finds his niche in Dallas and stays for a manageable price. But at the same time if he balls out and leaves us for 30 million APY then we may receive a 3rd round comp pick so in essence we’re renting him out to swap picks in the 3rd.

But my biggest concern about a one year rental isn’t the salary as much as what if we surprise the league and make it to the NFCCG/Super Bowl and Pickens balances out our offense in the same way Irvin and Harper did in the 90’s. I would hate to have one year of this balance and succeed and then lose him and go back to square one with looking for another WR2. That’s the lingering concern with him being in a one year rental for me.

All in all I still am in favor of the gamble. I liked the gamble with Lance, I liked the gamble with Milton and I like the gamble with Pickens. I appreciate the effort. Even if it’s a swing and a miss I’d rather swing than stay put. So I guess I’m happy with it and happy with our GM. And it’s been a long time since I’ve said that, lol.

I have faith in the talent and there are 3 current needs as to new contract needs...

 

[TwoDeep3]

The Dallas Cowboys desperately needed some help at the WR position and Jerry got aggressive and traded for the Steelers mercurial receiver George Pickens for a reasonable cost. No one would question Pickens’ talent.

To me, the good news of this trade outweighs the potential bad news.
THE GOOD NEWS (PROS)

• Pickens is a real first round talent, who at 24 has huge upside. If he can show more maturity here, he as a chance to be a stud.
• Pickens averages over 16 yards per catch in his career and has shown some consistency in getting open and making plays.
• He has averaged about 60 receptions for 1,000 yds in his first three seasons, which is certainly very good for the role we need him to be here.
• He’s been durable, playing in every game in 2022 and ‘23, and 14 last year.
• He didn’t cost a fortune and has the potential to give this offense some juice it desperately needs

THE POTENTIAL BAD NEWS (CONS)

• He has been one of the most fined players in the NFL for taunting and silly unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, accumulating nearly $300k in fines.
• He has a tendency to reduce effort and disappear when he is not targeted.
• His target to reception ratio has been 59% but he has not played for the most accurate passers the last 3 years.
• He only has one more year on his rookie contract. If he has a great season will JJ pay market price to keep him?

Overall I like this trade. Pickens gives this offense a real weapon and should force defenses to have to account for more than just Lamb. He didn’t cost a fortune either.

Key questions remain- Can GP grow up and become a more complete player and maximize his potential? Will he become a one year rental or will JJ be able to lock him down in a second contract?

It’s going to be fun waiting to see.

His catch radius is unreal. He is what Gallup wanted to be but didn't have the ability to twist in the air the way Pickens does.

For those who suggest Dak is a better passer than some give him credit for, this guy is a better route runner than both Gallup and Bryant, but can give you the big plays Bryant could at times. Both Gallup and Bryant were not precise route runner.

For those who think Dak is not accurate at all and is just chunking it, Pickens is a great player since he adjusts to the ball and has terrific vision and tracking. Something Gallup did not have.

The notion he is a head case is the opposite of the reports coming out of Pitt. They suggest he is a good teammate, but can be very aggressive at times.

If this was Jerry Rice he would not be available.

 

[plymkr]

I have faith in the talent and there are 3 current needs as to new contract needs...

3 needs meaning: Micah, Tyler and Pickens? I agree. Fish reported, and take Fish what it’s worth, that he “believes” a contract is already decided up and that was the delay in the trade. I hope he’s right, then there wouldn’t be any cons to the trade. I’m getting that info in the quick Fish report he made after the trade.

 

[TwoDeep3]

Something else top consider.

Teams will be hard pressed to double CD around the field because Pickens can give you an almost similar results. Now picture CD in the slot on the same side as Pickens, and a TE and 3rd receiver on the opposite side. Put Blue in the backfield and run the defense off and get Blue outside.

This sandlot game planning could be greatness.

 

[ArtClink]

One thing's for sure, Pickens is our future!

 

[CCBoy]

Something else top consider.

Teams will be hard pressed to double CD around the field because Pickens can give you an almost similar results. Now picture CD in the slot on the same side as Pickens, and a TE and 3rd receiver on the opposite side. Put Blue in the backfield and run the defense off and get Blue outside.

This sandlot game planning could be greatness.

With time to drop back, the Dallas offense will dominate games. Lots of quality receiving skills.

 

[fivetwos]

This is my biggest “con” of the trade. Pretty pricey for a one year rental. I hope he behaves himself and finds his niche in Dallas and stays for a manageable price. But at the same time if he balls out and leaves us for 30 million APY then we may receive a 3rd round comp pick so in essence we’re renting him out to swap picks in the 3rd.

But my biggest concern about a one year rental isn’t the salary as much as what if we surprise the league and make it to the NFCCG/Super Bowl and Pickens balances out our offense in the same way Irvin and Harper did in the 90’s. I would hate to have one year of this balance and succeed and then lose him and go back to square one with looking for another WR2. That’s the lingering concern with him being in a one year rental for me.

All in all I still am in favor of the gamble. I liked the gamble with Lance, I liked the gamble with Milton and I like the gamble with Pickens. I appreciate the effort. Even if it’s a swing and a miss I’d rather swing than stay put. So I guess I’m happy with it and happy with our GM. And it’s been a long time since I’ve said that, lol.

The second paragraph is exactly why you don’t trade premium picks for one year rentals when you’re not ready to win….

But I suspect Jerry figures he’d better not have second bad season in a row or Netflix might stop calling to document the great person that he is.

 

[Rayman70]

The second paragraph is exactly why you don’t trade premium picks for one year rentals when you’re not ready to win….

But I suspect Jerry figures he’d better not have second bad season in a row or Netflix might stop calling to document the great person that he is.

I think this is the result of the one year turn around the Texans and Commodes had. Worst to first pretty much, in one off season. This is a copycat league. Maybe we are trying this as a bit of a cheat code to skip the rebuild process steps.

 

[IceStar-D7]

Listening to some fans in here...He won't be grateful for long........

 

[OGSixshooter]

An appropriate way to put this is to say he has issues with professionalism and discipline. However, as a professional football player, he has to know the expectations and apparently is unwilling or unable to meet them. The Steelers for sure have more intel on why these things kept happening and decided enough was enough. Oversleep one meeting or be late due to a flat tire, that's one thing. Doing it repeatedly is quite another.

I agree. It's sorta kinda similar to the Luka situation. It wasn't talent...it was temperament. It was given all that they saw, would they feel comfortable investing in him and building a WR room around him? Something about him made them move on ...when in fact...it's the cinderella dream of every team to draft and resign their guy. But if you don't trust him to be leader or a plus to the culture, then you might find yourself rewarding suboptimal behavior.

 

[plymkr]

The second paragraph is exactly why you don’t trade premium picks for one year rentals when you’re not ready to win….

Exactly, it’s short sighted.

 

[Rockport]

The Dallas Cowboys desperately needed some help at the WR position and Jerry got aggressive and traded for the Steelers mercurial receiver George Pickens for a reasonable cost. No one would question Pickens’ talent.

To me, the good news of this trade outweighs the potential bad news.
THE GOOD NEWS (PROS)

• Pickens is a real first round talent, who at 24 has huge upside. If he can show more maturity here, he as a chance to be a stud.
• Pickens averages over 16 yards per catch in his career and has shown some consistency in getting open and making plays.
• He has averaged about 60 receptions for 1,000 yds in his first three seasons, which is certainly very good for the role we need him to be here.
• He’s been durable, playing in every game in 2022 and ‘23, and 14 last year.
• He didn’t cost a fortune and has the potential to give this offense some juice it desperately needs

THE POTENTIAL BAD NEWS (CONS)

• He has been one of the most fined players in the NFL for taunting and silly unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, accumulating nearly $300k in fines.
• He has a tendency to reduce effort and disappear when he is not targeted.
• His target to reception ratio has been 59% but he has not played for the most accurate passers the last 3 years.
• He only has one more year on his rookie contract. If he has a great season will JJ pay market price to keep him?

Overall I like this trade. Pickens gives this offense a real weapon and should force defenses to have to account for more than just Lamb. He didn’t cost a fortune either.

Key questions remain- Can GP grow up and become a more complete player and maximize his potential? Will he become a one year rental or will JJ be able to lock him down in a second contract?

It’s going to be fun waiting to see.

I think we’ll get the best from Pickens for the simple reason of $$$. He has too much to lose in a contract year to be a headache. He’s going to be on his best behavior. If not then hasta la vista.

 

[Bullflop]

I'm sensing from the overall responses that the members of this website are fairly stoked by the arrival of someone who offers a fine opportunity for this offense to shine more than is has in quite some time. As far as I'm concerned, it's a just cause for celebration, until proven otherwise. Let's be happy, okay? It's within the bounds of reason to appreciate a good acquisition!

 

[big dog cowboy]

His catch radius is unreal. He is what Gallup wanted to be but didn't have the ability to twist in the air the way Pickens does.

For those who suggest Dak is a better passer than some give him credit for, this guy is a better route runner than both Gallup and Bryant, but can give you the big plays Bryant could at times. Both Gallup and Bryant were not precise route runner.

For those who think Dak is not accurate at all and is just chunking it, Pickens is a great player since he adjusts to the ball and has terrific vision and tracking. Something Gallup did not have.

The notion he is a head case is the opposite of the reports coming out of Pitt. They suggest he is a good teammate, but can be very aggressive at times.

If this was Jerry Rice he would not be available.

 

[fivetwos]

I think this is the result of the one year turn around the Texans and Commodes had. Worst to first pretty much, in one off season. This is a copycat league. Maybe we are trying this as a bit of a cheat code to skip the rebuild process steps.

Maybe, but they are also terrible at evaluation in several regards. I’m sure they think they are better than they are.

For about ever, while many were saying they don’t care about winning, I figured they very much did but we’re just awful at it….ya know, not being qualified and all…but I’m beginning to believe it’s about damage control and not having BAD seasons instead of trying to build a squad that has a 2-3 year window to actually do something.

 

[fivetwos]

Exactly, it’s short sighted.

Jerry says he wouldn’t do what the Rams did a few years ago because he has “more of a longer term plan,” then does this while his defense has several huge questions….of the usual variety.

Hey if Pickens shuts his mouth and signs for a reasonable number….or even accepts a tag next year….I’ll happily eat crow. Two seasons of nice play would be well worth the cost. One season…when we know this defense isn’t good enough? It’s a keep the head above water move.

I’ll remind people how wrong I was if it’s the case

 

[daveferr33]

The Dallas Cowboys desperately needed some help at the WR position and Jerry got aggressive and traded for the Steelers mercurial receiver George Pickens for a reasonable cost. No one would question Pickens’ talent.

To me, the good news of this trade outweighs the potential bad news.
THE GOOD NEWS (PROS)

• Pickens is a real first round talent, who at 24 has huge upside. If he can show more maturity here, he as a chance to be a stud.
• Pickens averages over 16 yards per catch in his career and has shown some consistency in getting open and making plays.
• He has averaged about 60 receptions for 1,000 yds in his first three seasons, which is certainly very good for the role we need him to be here.
• He’s been durable, playing in every game in 2022 and ‘23, and 14 last year.
• He didn’t cost a fortune and has the potential to give this offense some juice it desperately needs

THE POTENTIAL BAD NEWS (CONS)

• He has been one of the most fined players in the NFL for taunting and silly unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, accumulating nearly $300k in fines.
• He has a tendency to reduce effort and disappear when he is not targeted.
• His target to reception ratio has been 59% but he has not played for the most accurate passers the last 3 years.
• He only has one more year on his rookie contract. If he has a great season will JJ pay market price to keep him?

Overall I like this trade. Pickens gives this offense a real weapon and should force defenses to have to account for more than just Lamb. He didn’t cost a fortune either.

Key questions remain- Can GP grow up and become a more complete player and maximize his potential? Will he become a one year rental or will JJ be able to lock him down in a second contract?

It’s going to be fun waiting to see.

He's also known for having a wide catch radius, which will greatly help this QB.

 

[JoeKing]

The Cowboys could get a cheaper extension for Pickens if they executed it now. This is a proven top WR so I see little risk in pulling the trigger now on a $25M per year extension right now. Waiting till he plays out his final season on his current contract will mean giving up another $5M to get that contract done. But as was done with Dak and CeeDee, Jerry seems to prefer the wait and being forced to pay top dollar to retain his most talented players.

So as far as pros and cons go, Jerry is creating the biggest con by not giving Pickens an extension immediately. Getting them cheap just isn't Jerry's thing.