Since George Pickens joined the Dallas Cowboys following a trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this month, the connection between him and CeeDee Lamb has quickly become evident. Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer emphasized on Thursday that their teammate relationship is already shaping up to be “awesome,” highlighting the growing chemistry between the two receivers as a key development for the team’s offense.
The trade involved Dallas giving up a third-round draft pick along with a pick swap to acquire Pickens as a new target for quarterback Dak Prescott. This acquisition aims to strengthen the Cowboys’ receiving corps and provide Prescott with reliable options as he returns from injury.
How Pickens Is Adjusting to His New Role
Schottenheimer praised Pickens for his rapid adaptation to the Cowboys’ offensive system during offseason training activities (OTAs). At Thursday’s press conference, the coach pointed out that Pickens has been
“doing an incredible job picking up the system,”
demonstrating his readiness to contribute effectively.
The coach shared a memorable moment from practice that helped fuel Lamb’s enthusiasm for the new addition. Describing a red zone play, Schottenheimer said:
“There was a play, and it really wasn’t anything George did, but we were in the red zone, and we were in kind of a spread formation, and we hit him for a touchdown, Joe did on a little bender, like a little skinny post, down in the low red zone,”
—Brian Schottenheimer, Dallas Cowboys Head Coach
He explained how Lamb’s reaction after seeing Pickens catch the touchdown pass showed how excited the receiver is about Pickens being part of the team.
“So I think his excitement for knowing that we’ve added some pieces, which will add to the competition, was cool to see a guy like CeeDee be excited. And those two guys’ relationship is awesome. I’m sure you guys have probably done stories on it, but they’re spending a lot of time together.”
—Brian Schottenheimer, Dallas Cowboys Head Coach
Schottenheimer further commented on the mutual respect the pair shares.
“I think it’s great for CeeDee to have someone like George, not that George is a young player, but someone that GP really looks up to in CeeDee. They obviously have trained some together, but that relationship is really cool. I’m enjoying kind of just sitting back and watching it develop.”
—Brian Schottenheimer, Dallas Cowboys Head Coach
The Foundation of Their Growing Connection
According to Tommy Yarrish of DallasCowboys.com, Lamb and Pickens have trained together during the offseasons since 2022, forming a bond that predates their being teammates. After the trade, Pickens acknowledged that Lamb was among the first from the Cowboys organization to reach out, providing reassurance and support.
Both receivers have expressed admiration for each other’s skills since joining forces. Lamb highlighted how their abilities complement one another, specifically praising Pickens’ talent for securing the ball at its highest point:
“his ability to go up and get the ball at the highest point.”
—CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys Receiver
Meanwhile, Pickens has appreciated learning from Lamb, noting that he has been picking up “intermediate stuff” to enhance his game.
Looking Ahead: Impact on the Cowboys’ Offense
As the Cowboys prepare for the upcoming season, the team hopes Lamb’s experience will help Pickens find his footing as a primary target for Dak Prescott. The quarterback showed promising signs of health during the final two weeks of OTAs after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained last November, according to ESPN’s Todd Archer.
The developing relationship between Lamb and Pickens could provide the Cowboys with a dynamic and competitive receiving duo, potentially increasing the team’s offensive firepower and offering Prescott multiple dependable options in the passing game. Their continued work together on and off the field will be a storyline to watch as the season approaches.