Cowboys Wideout Viewed as 'Major Player' in NFC East Race
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Coming off a shaky tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers, George Pickens finds himself with a change of scenery. As he prepares for this next chapter of his career, one analyst thinks he can have a major impact on one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL right now.
During the offseason, the Dallas Cowboys decided to roll the dice on Pickens in an attempt to bolster the offense. Despite his off-field drama, he is still one of the most skilled receivers in the league. Landing in Dallas is a good situation for Pickens, as he's joining a pass-heavy offense led by a high-level quarterback in Dak Prescott.
Though his production took a slight dip in 2024, many believe Pickens has the potential to be an impactful piece for the Cowboys this season. While appearing on SportsCenter over the weekend, Jeremy Fowler opened up on how Pickens could help sway things in an air-tight NFC East.
George Pickens #14 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates after making a catch against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter of the game at Bank of America Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Charlotte, North...
George Pickens #14 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates after making a catch against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter of the game at Bank of America Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. MoreAlso read: Dallas Cowboys Named Potential Suitor For Ex-Steelers Standout
"This George Pickens trade has the league's full attention, particularly in the NFC East," Fowler said. "People I've talked to in that division feel like he can tilt the field for Dallas and he'll be a major player. Because he is one of the best contested catchers in the league, body contortive things downfield, so he gives them a new dimension. The issue really in Pittsburgh was really the maturity issues and some of those problems there, but a lot of it stems with Pickens wanting to get the ball, and wanting the offense to move properly, having the passing game humming. And so Dallas has that with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb already. So he's walking into a good situation."
Also read: Kevin Durant Utters Bold Statement on Cowboys Star Micah Parsons
With Prescott returning from injury this season, the Cowboys are primed to get back in the hunt in the NFC. This will be no small feat, as their division is going to be as competitive as it's been in recent memory.
The Philadelphia Eagles are in a strong position to repeat as champions, and the Washington Commanders will want to get back to the conference championship. Knowing this, the Cowboys made sure to bolster their cast of offensive weapons around Prescott, most notably by acquiring Pickens.
Playing alongside CeeDee Lamb, Pickens is going to have endless opportunities to make defenses pay. If he's able to keep his focus on the field, he could emerge as an X-factor for Dallas and help them compete in the loaded NFC East.
For more Dallas Cowboys and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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