Cowboys CeeDee Cryptic Message Pushes George Pickens Trade Frenzy
We had the trade puzzle pieces that fit. (Yes, the Cowboys still need a receiver). And we had the obstacles, involved. And we listed them in detail. ... The money. Pickens' attitude. The trade cost. All of it.
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But we also slapped down the wrong-headed idea that "Jerry Jones likes making big splash trades'' as a concept from another era.
That's was not the motivation here.
And it still is not the motivation here.
Last week, owner Jones told a handful of us here at The Star that the team is working on two "substantive'' trades.
We knew it was true when he said it on that Tuesday.
We know it was true on that Thursday when the teams talked.
And on Friday? COO Stephen Jones went on 105.3 The Fan on Friday to testify that those possible puzzle-piece trade ideas were still alive.
And then came Sunday - remember, this is after the draft. ... and we spoke to sources representing two different NFL teams who were still of the belief that Pickens to Dallas can still happen. ... right along with Jerry Jones having said "the train hasn't left the station'' regarding pursuit of help here.
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On Tuesday night, social media lit itself on fire in regard to a Pickens-to-Dallas connection. Fans went into a frenzy. And they're still there. Some in the media did the same, denying and backtracking and chasing their tails.
And amid it all, CeeDee Lamb - the receiver who needs a partner around here - posted a tweet of a Simpsons character waving "Hello.''
Lamb's cryptic message on X has us back on the wild ride of Pickens trade rumors.
Hey, maybe CeeDee just likes Ralph Wiggum?
Either way ... the post now has almost 1 million views.
Pickens doesn't fit the mold here in so many ways. Under new coach Brian Schottenheimer, the Cowboys being signed and drafted are "character guys.''
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Pickens, meanwhile, is known for tantrums, immaturity, and lack of accountability.
Nevertheless, we told you the call occurred.
And now?
Almost a week after our initial report tying the two clubs together, ESPN is noting that Dallas tried to trade for a star "receiver from an AFC North team.''
Oh.
And after that, as the calendar keeps flipping, The Athletic is reporting that Dallas and the Steelers tried to work out a trade for Pickens.
"George Pickens' name was tossed around in trade discussions this past week," Dianna Russini wrote on Twitter. "The Cowboys were one of the teams that discussed bringing in the Steelers' wideout, sources tell me.''
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Oh. (Psst: We know.)
Pickens is an athletic and rangy target with good size at 6-3 and youth. He will make a great impact in the NFL for years to come. Someday, we bet he matures - the former second-round pick just turned a tender 24 - and puts the silliness behind him.
Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens and one of these running backs, say, just-drafted Texas sprinter Jaydon Blue?
That remains tantalizing.
Pickens is entering the final year of his cheap rookie contract (making $4.1 million) and in 2026 might command an APY of $30 million.
Will the Cowboys pay top dollar to a No. 2 receiver with Lamb already making $35 million a year? We have our doubts, and maybe that why JAG names like Amari Cooper are now being floated.
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Bur the phone call was placed. The effort toward a "substantive'' (Jerry's word) trade was made. And the Cowboys' search for a second receiver powering them to overcome whatever other obstacles arise?
There are plenty of reasons to believe this is something the Cowboys will continue to work on.
Related: Cowboys Poised For Mingo vs. KaVontae Camp Competition
Related: Source Says Cowboys Want 'Pickens-Like' Receiver Amid Amari Rumor
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