Latest news with #Pickens
Newsweek
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
George Pickens Gets Honest About Future With Cowboys
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Once the Dallas Cowboys acquired George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers, it was apparent they could be landing a one-year rental. After the 2025 NFL season concludes, Pickens will be headed for free agency. Will he be a one-and-done in Dallas? Or will an extension come to life in due time? It's still too early to tell, but Pickens recently opened up on his contract situation as he prepares for his first full season with the Cowboys, and there is a desire from the young wide receiver to land something long-term from Dallas in the future. "Most definitely," Pickens told 105.3 The Fan, when asked if he sees the Cowboys as a long-term fit. #Cowboys George Pickens on 105.3 the Fan when asked if he can see Dallas as his permanent home. 'Most definitely.' When asked if it makes more sense to talk contract after the season: '…that's definitely what I want to focus on first…' (🎥: @1053thefan) — Brandon Loree (@Brandoniswrite) July 28, 2025 "I've watched the team for so long, and the camaraderie. I kind of understand the camaraderie more than I did in Pittsburgh. Even with what you guys do. The Cowboys, like I said, are known for the Super Bowl. If they weren't known for that then no one would care about the Cowboys. They're known for that and then the camaraderie of the people give that same energy, because they also want to see it again. I think I definitely understand it more here, the people more here than I did up there. Because I'm from the south. That's a whole another deal." Some players in Pickens' position might look to lock in that multi-year extension before entering the final year of their deal. In Pickens' case, he's focused on the upcoming season. The star wideout wants to contribute to a winning situation and expects that the major raise will come with the on-field success. George Pickens #14 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Acrisure Stadium on October 6, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. George Pickens #14 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Acrisure Stadium on October 6, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania."That's definitely what I want to focus on first because money is everywhere," Pickens added. "Money is all over the world. I definitely want to try to help them win, get a Super Bowl, and with the Cowboys being such a big brand that kind of seeps in, you see what I mean? If you just stick to the main thing is the main thing, keep it on the gridiron, how it used to be back in the day? We'll definitely do something special." Pickens left the Steelers after posting 900 receiving yards and three touchdowns. It was a down year, compared to his sophomore campaign, which included over 1,100 yards and five touchdowns. It was clear that relationships soured between Pickens and key members of the organization, which likely affected his performance. The young veteran hopes to find consistency with the Cowboys. He landed in Dallas with 48 games under his belt. Pickens caught 174 passes for 2,841 yards and 12 touchdowns during his run with the Steelers. For more Dallas Cowboys and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
USA Today
5 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
George Pickens could be explosive for Cowboys – one way or another
OXNARD, CA – It was the last play of practice. George Pickens, running a sharp comeback route, snagged Dak Prescott's short pass to the left flat and urgently juked a defender near the sideline. Then he cut against the grain and streaked across the field for at least another 50 yards with a purpose. The crowd roared. Pickens didn't stop until he crossed the goal line. Then he added theatrics. The wide receiver stretched both arms toward the sky and crashed on his back. It was also significant that two of his new Dallas Cowboys teammates – Cee Dee Lamb and tight end Jake Ferguson – sprinted downfield to join Pickens in a celebration. What a snapshot of training camp bliss. Big play, big celebration. 'Team brotherhood, yeah,' Pickens told USA TODAY Sports a few minutes later. 'Really, I'm just embracing it. And it's about them embracing me, too.' Welcome to the next chapter of Pickens' NFL career. The Cowboys obtained the fourth-year pro from the Pittsburgh Steelers in a post-draft trade in May and there are grand visions of the big plays he can produce as another target for Prescott, opposite the All-Pro Lamb. Since he entered the NFL as a second-round pick from Georgia, only Justin Jefferson and A.J. Brown have produced more receptions of at least 25 yards than Pickens (41). Last season, Pickens' 14 catches in that category were topped only by Jefferson and Ja'Marr Chase. And Pickens, 24, is clearly elite when it comes to hauling in contested catches. Then there's the reason the home run threat was available in the first place. Too often, Pickens was his own worst enemy with the Steelers, a headache waiting to happen. Being explosive, it seems, is a double-edged sword. There were hotheaded scuffles with opponents. During at least one game, he argued with fans. He was also criticized for lacking professionalism while dodging the media. After Pickens drew two unsportsmanlike conduct flags during a game at Cincinnati with fits of immaturity, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said of the receiver: 'He's got to grow up in a hurry.' Undoubtedly, the Steelers embraced the idea of moving on from Pickens. Hello, Dallas. 'The issues, they don't deter me at all,' Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told USA TODAY Sports in May, shortly after the trade. Dallas sent a third-round pick in 2026 and a fifth-round choice in 2027 to Pittsburgh for Pickens and a sixth-round pick in 2027. 'You get these guys that are really in the right place, that makes a big difference,' Jones said. Jones has a history of taking chances on players who either fell out of favor elsewhere, or carried baggage related to off-the-field issues. Some cases worked out, while others flopped. The former category would include Hall of Famer Charles Haley, who became a key cog in three Super Bowl championship teams after he was obtained in a trade with the San Francisco 49ers in 1992. The latter category would include Adam 'Pacman' Jones and Greg Hardy, whose legal issues didn't end when they joined the Cowboys. 'The biggest issue of all is that I've never met a human that didn't have frailties,' Jones said. 'As a matter of fact, someone once said, 'Jerry might be the most flawed individual I've ever met.' As one flawed person to the other, I look forward to working with George.' Pickens is well aware of the reputation he hopes to leave behind with his fresh start. 'You can push a certain narrative. I know, personally, myself, that I'm not an issue,' Pickens said. 'Now, I'm just following the Cowboys way. They always want to win a Super Bowl. So, I'm on their agenda now.' Time will tell whether Pickens is a good fit for the chemistry of a franchise that is, well, working with a 29-year Super Bowl drought. Since his arrival, coaches, teammates and others connected to the team have raved about Pickens' approach and demeanor. So, that's a great sign. Ferguson, the tight end, recalled a good first impression in meeting Pickens during the draft process in 2022. 'Seeing the locker room, it was right back to normal, right back to chatting it up,' Ferguson said. 'I'm excited to see what he can do. And yeah, he gets on the field and he's explosive. It's just going to open up that many more things.' Pickens won't deny that his demeanor has become more upbeat since the trade. 'Yeah, it's a huge change from the last couple of years,' he said. Then came a swipe at the Steelers. 'It was all a big circus,' he says. 'When I was at the Steelers, the team wasn't as fun.' Stay tuned. While Pickens (who led Pittsburgh with 59 catches for 900 yards in 2024) clearly carries a competitive edge, it will be interesting to see how well he handles a complementary role in a passing game that revolves around Lamb. What's the reaction if Lamb puts up a monster game with, say, 10 catches for 150 yards and two TDs, while Pickens chips in with four receptions and 60 yards? Of course, that's hypothetical. Yet it's fair to wonder whether Pickens, after being the Steelers' undisputed No. 1 receiver, would be fazed by the prospect of not being the top option. 'I accept it as huge,' he maintained. 'I look at it as better. I don't know if other people see that. I can only think for myself, but I look at it as a way for a great chance. Because you have Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins (with the Bengals). You have A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith (with the Eagles). Look around the league. When you've got those two-headed weapons, those are the guys going to the playoffs, close to or in the Super Bowl. I embrace it a lot, honestly. Whether it's 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A. See what I mean? It don't matter.' Mention the X's and O's and Pickens lights up. Clearly this is a man stoked about the designs of an offense that has the fingerprints of new coach Brian Schottenheimer, promoted from coordinator to replace Mike McCarthy. Pickens isn't shy in expressing that he felt stagnated in Arthur Smith's offense with Pittsburgh last season. 'Man, I was super limited,' he said. 'I came out of college running posts, go-balls, comebacks, digs. And then I got to the Steelers and I was only running go-balls. And screens. It was limited from low to high.' He continued grumbling about a lack of intermediate routes in Pittsburgh. 'Now I'm running digs,' he added. 'I ran like three digs today. I ran a comeback on the last play. I didn't run one comeback my whole career with the Steelers. That should show you a lot. And that's just today. Yesterday, I ran three other comebacks. See what I mean?' Pickens is surely heard, loud and clear. Although he insists he was 'kind of surprised' when the trade happened, it was hardly a secret that he wanted out. 'When you see better for yourself … you're going to have to take it,' he said. 'And that's what your family is going to want you to do. So, I kind of felt like it was better somewhere else.' Is Dallas a long-term destination? That's TBD. Pickens is on the final year of his rookie contract, with a base salary of $3.65 million, eligible to become a free agent in March. The Steelers, who added DK Metcalf in an offseason deal, were wise to get something in return for a player they had no interest in signing to a long-term extension. Now that looms as an option for the Cowboys – and incentive for Pickens to prove that he's a good fit in more ways than one. 'I think we're in total agreement,' Jones said. 'Let's see how this year goes and go from there.' In other words, Pickens could explode in Dallas – one way or another. Contact Jarrett Bell at jbell@ or follow on social media: On X: @JarrettBell; On Bluesky:
San Francisco Chronicle
4 days ago
- Sport
- San Francisco Chronicle
Wide receiver George Pickens fitting in with Cowboys in training camp
OXNARD, Calif. (AP) — The Dallas Cowboys are confident George Pickens the player will be a problem for opponents because Pickens the person won't cause problems in their own locker room. That might be a surprise given Pickens' three often tumultuous seasons playing wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers before he was traded to Dallas in May. 'Like, I've seen what y'all seen on film, like, trust me,' wide receiver CeeDee Lamb said. 'I know what it looks like. But if you talk to this man and have a decent conversation, I guarantee you'll understand that this man is kindhearted.' Pickens, 24, had multiple notable on-field incidents in Pittsburgh to create a questionable reputation. He had two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties in a Week 13 win at Cincinnati last season after having been involved in an altercation with Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome the previous week. Those occasions, along with sideline blowups at teammates and coaches, led Steelers coach Mike Tomlin to rebuke Pickens several times, memorably saying ' He's just got to grow up, man ' after receiving two flags but avoiding being tossed against the Bengals in December. The reasons behind Pickens' public persona, Dallas players insist, come from his desire to win. 'He loves football, so that's something that you cannot question about him,' wide receiver Jalen Tolbert said. 'That speaks and jumps off the tape, obviously, and jumps off the field, and obviously in the meeting room, he can do the same thing.' The Cowboys are working with Pickens to reign in his frustrations, but Lamb stressed the how different Pickens is outside the lines. 'When we get on the field, it's a different beast,' Lamb said. 'I expect him to be an animal. But, like, we have an on and off button. Everybody on this field does. On any field, honestly. It's just, man, when you passionate about something, you don't really care what the narrative is around you.' Lamb and Pickens have seemingly become fast friends, often sharing information and dance moves on the practice field. They even worked up an elaborate handshake to celebrate touchdowns, which Lamb said took two days to fully choreograph. 'He's a great receiver, he's a great person,' Lamb said. 'He's everything that the people say he isn't, and I feel like he don't get enough credit for being who he is. But you never know the situation that people are going though, so just being so quick to put a narrative on something that you don't really fully understand yet, I feel like it's kind of jumping the gun. But as for GP, man, he's a hard worker. He wants to be great. He's wanting to learn, and I love that the most about him because I'm the same way.' Despite flashing star potential while putting up solid statistics in Pittsburgh, amassing 2,841 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns even with subpar quarterback play in three seasons, Pickens was as ready as the Steelers were for a separation. As soon as he arrived in Dallas and met with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones following the trade, Pickens believed he was in the right place to redefine his career. 'I think I needed a fresh start just in terms of, like you said, people not knowing me,' Pickens said. The challenge now is making sure quarterback Dak Prescott and Pickens can develop an understanding on the field. Their timing, or lack thereof, has shown up occasionally during the first week of training camp, such as when Pickens couldn't come down with an over the shoulder basket catch that hit him in the hands on a deep sideline route Saturday. But once those issues are addressed, Pickens expects to form perhaps the most potent one-two receiver tandem in the NFL. 'A lot of people over the years got different type of styles of play, but CeeDee's a certain type of guy and then I'm a certain type of guy, so when you mesh that together it's like 'Mario Bros,' you see what I mean? So we can definitely do something special,' Lamb said. 'Lion King' celebration Cornerback Kaiir Elam delivered the most memorable moment of Saturday's workout, intercepting Prescott and then celebrating by reaching over the sideline railing to grab a fan's infant to raise over his head with both hands, echoing Disney's 1994 animated hit film 'The Lion King.' 'I'm just trying to give the people a show,' Elam said. 'I seen one of the guys who was like, 'I don't know about this kid picking up my kid.' But the kid was excited, that's all that matters.' ___
Fox Sports
4 days ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Wide receiver George Pickens fitting in with Cowboys in training camp
Associated Press OXNARD, Calif. (AP) — The Dallas Cowboys are confident George Pickens the player will be a problem for opponents because Pickens the person won't cause problems in their own locker room. That might be a surprise given Pickens' three often tumultuous seasons playing wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers before he was traded to Dallas in May. 'Like, I've seen what y'all seen on film, like, trust me,' wide receiver CeeDee Lamb said. 'I know what it looks like. But if you talk to this man and have a decent conversation, I guarantee you'll understand that this man is kindhearted.' Pickens, 24, had multiple notable on-field incidents in Pittsburgh to create a questionable reputation. He had two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties in a Week 13 win at Cincinnati last season after having been involved in an altercation with Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome the previous week. Those occasions, along with sideline blowups at teammates and coaches, led Steelers coach Mike Tomlin to rebuke Pickens several times, memorably saying ' He's just got to grow up, man ' after receiving two flags but avoiding being tossed against the Bengals in December. The reasons behind Pickens' public persona, Dallas players insist, come from his desire to win. 'He loves football, so that's something that you cannot question about him,' wide receiver Jalen Tolbert said. 'That speaks and jumps off the tape, obviously, and jumps off the field, and obviously in the meeting room, he can do the same thing.' The Cowboys are working with Pickens to reign in his frustrations, but Lamb stressed the how different Pickens is outside the lines. 'When we get on the field, it's a different beast,' Lamb said. 'I expect him to be an animal. But, like, we have an on and off button. Everybody on this field does. On any field, honestly. It's just, man, when you passionate about something, you don't really care what the narrative is around you.' Lamb and Pickens have seemingly become fast friends, often sharing information and dance moves on the practice field. They even worked up an elaborate handshake to celebrate touchdowns, which Lamb said took two days to fully choreograph. 'He's a great receiver, he's a great person,' Lamb said. 'He's everything that the people say he isn't, and I feel like he don't get enough credit for being who he is. But you never know the situation that people are going though, so just being so quick to put a narrative on something that you don't really fully understand yet, I feel like it's kind of jumping the gun. But as for GP, man, he's a hard worker. He wants to be great. He's wanting to learn, and I love that the most about him because I'm the same way.' Despite flashing star potential while putting up solid statistics in Pittsburgh, amassing 2,841 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns even with subpar quarterback play in three seasons, Pickens was as ready as the Steelers were for a separation. As soon as he arrived in Dallas and met with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones following the trade, Pickens believed he was in the right place to redefine his career. 'I think I needed a fresh start just in terms of, like you said, people not knowing me,' Pickens said. The challenge now is making sure quarterback Dak Prescott and Pickens can develop an understanding on the field. Their timing, or lack thereof, has shown up occasionally during the first week of training camp, such as when Pickens couldn't come down with an over the shoulder basket catch that hit him in the hands on a deep sideline route Saturday. But once those issues are addressed, Pickens expects to form perhaps the most potent one-two receiver tandem in the NFL. 'A lot of people over the years got different type of styles of play, but CeeDee's a certain type of guy and then I'm a certain type of guy, so when you mesh that together it's like 'Mario Bros,' you see what I mean? So we can definitely do something special,' Lamb said. 'Lion King' celebration Cornerback Kaiir Elam delivered the most memorable moment of Saturday's workout, intercepting Prescott and then celebrating by reaching over the sideline railing to grab a fan's infant to raise over his head with both hands, echoing Disney's 1994 animated hit film 'The Lion King.' 'I'm just trying to give the people a show,' Elam said. 'I seen one of the guys who was like, 'I don't know about this kid picking up my kid.' But the kid was excited, that's all that matters.' ___ AP NFL: recommended Item 1 of 3
Winnipeg Free Press
4 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Wide receiver George Pickens fitting in with Cowboys in training camp
OXNARD, Calif. (AP) — The Dallas Cowboys are confident George Pickens the player will be a problem for opponents because Pickens the person won't cause problems in their own locker room. That might be a surprise given Pickens' three often tumultuous seasons playing wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers before he was traded to Dallas in May. 'Like, I've seen what y'all seen on film, like, trust me,' wide receiver CeeDee Lamb said. 'I know what it looks like. But if you talk to this man and have a decent conversation, I guarantee you'll understand that this man is kindhearted.' Pickens, 24, had multiple notable on-field incidents in Pittsburgh to create a questionable reputation. He had two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties in a Week 13 win at Cincinnati last season after having been involved in an altercation with Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome the previous week. Those occasions, along with sideline blowups at teammates and coaches, led Steelers coach Mike Tomlin to rebuke Pickens several times, memorably saying ' He's just got to grow up, man ' after receiving two flags but avoiding being tossed against the Bengals in December. The reasons behind Pickens' public persona, Dallas players insist, come from his desire to win. 'He loves football, so that's something that you cannot question about him,' wide receiver Jalen Tolbert said. 'That speaks and jumps off the tape, obviously, and jumps off the field, and obviously in the meeting room, he can do the same thing.' The Cowboys are working with Pickens to reign in his frustrations, but Lamb stressed the how different Pickens is outside the lines. 'When we get on the field, it's a different beast,' Lamb said. 'I expect him to be an animal. But, like, we have an on and off button. Everybody on this field does. On any field, honestly. It's just, man, when you passionate about something, you don't really care what the narrative is around you.' Lamb and Pickens have seemingly become fast friends, often sharing information and dance moves on the practice field. They even worked up an elaborate handshake to celebrate touchdowns, which Lamb said took two days to fully choreograph. 'He's a great receiver, he's a great person,' Lamb said. 'He's everything that the people say he isn't, and I feel like he don't get enough credit for being who he is. But you never know the situation that people are going though, so just being so quick to put a narrative on something that you don't really fully understand yet, I feel like it's kind of jumping the gun. But as for GP, man, he's a hard worker. He wants to be great. He's wanting to learn, and I love that the most about him because I'm the same way.' Despite flashing star potential while putting up solid statistics in Pittsburgh, amassing 2,841 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns even with subpar quarterback play in three seasons, Pickens was as ready as the Steelers were for a separation. As soon as he arrived in Dallas and met with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones following the trade, Pickens believed he was in the right place to redefine his career. 'I think I needed a fresh start just in terms of, like you said, people not knowing me,' Pickens said. The challenge now is making sure quarterback Dak Prescott and Pickens can develop an understanding on the field. Their timing, or lack thereof, has shown up occasionally during the first week of training camp, such as when Pickens couldn't come down with an over the shoulder basket catch that hit him in the hands on a deep sideline route Saturday. But once those issues are addressed, Pickens expects to form perhaps the most potent one-two receiver tandem in the NFL. 'A lot of people over the years got different type of styles of play, but CeeDee's a certain type of guy and then I'm a certain type of guy, so when you mesh that together it's like 'Mario Bros,' you see what I mean? So we can definitely do something special,' Lamb said. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. 'Lion King' celebration Cornerback Kaiir Elam delivered the most memorable moment of Saturday's workout, intercepting Prescott and then celebrating by reaching over the sideline railing to grab a fan's infant to raise over his head with both hands, echoing Disney's 1994 animated hit film 'The Lion King.' 'I'm just trying to give the people a show,' Elam said. 'I seen one of the guys who was like, 'I don't know about this kid picking up my kid.' But the kid was excited, that's all that matters.' ___ AP NFL:
