The Dallas Cowboys acquired wide receiver George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers during the offseason, aiming to strengthen their passing attack by adding a reliable No. 2 target behind CeeDee Lamb. This move is expected to open up the Cowboys’ offense, enhancing their ability to stretch the field and create opportunities.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, an anonymous NFC East coach believes the pairing of Pickens and Lamb will bring a new dynamic to the Cowboys’ offensive scheme.
Dealing with CeeDee [Lamb] and him opens things up for them,
the coach said.
Veteran Support and Contract Year Motivation Seen as Key to Pickens’ Success
An AFC personnel executive expressed optimism about Pickens’ potential impact with Dallas, noting that the receiver’s development could be accelerated by playing alongside established veterans. The executive also highlighted the importance of Pickens being in the final year of his contract, which they believe will boost his focus and performance.
He’ll be a big piece there. When he’s covered, he’s really open. I know the concerns are there, but I think having an already established passing game with veterans to help him along, and the fact he’s in a contract year, will help keep him in line. If you can tap into what he can do fully, his major ability will shine through.
NFL Leaders Emphasize the Importance of Sustained Success and Development
While the Cowboys prepare to integrate Pickens, other NFL teams and leaders are pushing themes of consistency and long-term excellence. Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni has stressed the importance of maintaining focus after the team’s Super Bowl win, warning against resting on past achievements. He advocates for daily dedication and continuous improvement as the path to sustained success.
He stated,
“You either can be right where you are, or you can look at it like, ‘How are we going to get back to the Super Bowl?’ Error,”
Sirianni said, via PFT.
“Man, resting on your laurels and resting on your past accomplishments? Error. That builds your confidence and stuff like that. But I think it’s just again, being right back into [what you’re doing now]. That doesn’t mean that it’s easy. You’re in the building, and everyone has the common goal of getting better, and this and that. But then you go outside, and there are things pulling you in different directions because of the success. And that’s where it becomes tricky. It’s just making sure that you’re focused and locked in of where you are in each individual day. I know that’s boring. But success takes what it takes.”
Giants’ Russell Wilson Places Confidence in Developing Receiver Jalin Hyatt
Meanwhile, the New York Giants’ quarterback Russell Wilson is hopeful that wide receiver Jalin Hyatt can emerge as a dependable threat in his third season. Wilson has committed to providing Hyatt with consistent opportunities and support to help him advance.
I think that the biggest thing is just consistency that I can bring to him every day too and just making sure that I’m always giving him the extra opportunities down the field, but also not just down the field, but in any play we’ve got and spending extra time on the field,
Wilson said, via the team website.
And he’s got great work ethic, Jalin does, and I think he’s got a great grit to him. I think that he wants to be great every day, and he’s got all the special pieces to it all. I think what makes a great receiver is his ability to catch the ball and contest the situations. He does a great job of that, and he’s got a great opportunity, in my opinion, this year to really set the tone in a great way. I’ve got all the belief in Jalin and who he’s going to be and what he’s going to mean to us and make clutch plays for us when it really matters in great way. I’m excited for what he’s going to do this year and the rest of his career.
Hyatt’s Physical Development Signals Readiness for Elevated Role
Hyatt has made significant strides in his physical conditioning, gaining over 20 pounds from his rookie season to better handle the demands of the NFL. He has focused on increasing his strength while maintaining his speed to enhance his overall performance.
I played at 171 last year,
Hyatt told the team’s site.
I’m about 194-195 now. I’m telling you, that’s what darkness does to you. It changes you. The speed will stay there. For me, it’s just learning to run at this weight; learning to play faster, play bigger, and play stronger through contact. . . Just had to get stronger.
Implications for Dallas Cowboys’ Offense Moving Forward
The George Pickens Cowboys acquisition brings fresh promise to Dallas as they look to revitalize their aerial attack alongside CeeDee Lamb, who is entering a contract year and expected to perform at a high level. With veteran leadership and a strong supporting cast, Pickens has the potential to develop into a major offensive weapon, increasing the team’s competitiveness in the NFC East.
How well Pickens integrates with the existing offense could determine Dallas’ chances of advancing deeper into the playoffs this season. The Cowboys’ management and coaching staff will likely focus on leveraging Pickens’ skill set to complement Lamb’s strengths, aiming to construct a more dynamic and difficult-to-defend offense.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did George Pickens unfollow Steelers?
A. George Pickens has stopped following the Steelers on Instagram. This decision comes as he enters the last year of his initial contract. Pickens signed this rookie contract when the team picked him in the second round in 2022.