The Dallas Cowboys have certainly made a great deal of changes to their team over the course of the offseason, but not all of their decisions have been considered positive. While many believe Dallas was right to part ways with former head coach Mike McCarthy, hiring Brian Schottenheimer, who has never been a head coach before despite 25 years as an assistant, left many scratching their heads.
Similarly, many fans and analysts wonder if the Cowboys are making the right choice by delaying Micah Parsons’ inevitable contract extension. Indeed, the four-time Pro Bowl pass rusher is going to get paid, so why is Dallas delaying what everyone knows will happen? That being said, if they choose not to re-sign him because they cannot come to an agreement with him, well, that would be quite the decision in and of itself.
However, neither of these made Bleacher Report‘s list of the top-five riskiest moves of the NFL offseason.
Will the Dallas Cowboys Regret Trading for George Pickens?
Earlier this offseason, the Cowboys decided to get a bonified number two wide receiver to compliment All-Pro CeeDeel Lamb by acquiring George Pickens in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pickens had long been at the center of much frustration in Pittsburgh due to his attitude, and became apparent that the organization had had enough.
In order to add Pickens, who had 59 receptions for 900 yards and three touchdowns in 2024 while playing for one of the league’s worst offenses, Dallas had to give up a 2026 third round pick and 2027 fifth round pick.
And Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report wonders if that may have been too steep of a price:
“Considering the Cowboys have long lacked a dependable second receiver opposite Lamb and need to find a fast start under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, this trade was a significant risk.
“For one, Pickens’ on-field consistency was a major issue in Pittsburgh, which is why he was dealt in the first place. The 24-year-old has immense talent and, physically, could be an ideal match for Lamb. However, he’s struggled with focus and professionalism.
“If a seasoned head coach like Tomlin can’t corral Pickens, the receiver could become a real problem for Schottenheimer.
“Even if Pickens shows maturity in Dallas, complements Lamb perfectly and returns to being a 1,000-yard receiver, he’s bringing a risk factor. That’s because the Cowboys traded for Pickens as he was entering a contract year.
“If Pickens flops, the Cowboys offense may disappoint. If he truly shines, he could price himself out in 2026 free agency—if and when Dallas extends Parsons, it will have three players earning at least $34 million annually.
“Of course, there’s also the chance that Pickens plays just well enough to earn a mid-level contract and give Dallas a long-term answer in the WR2 role.”
Pickens is entering a contract year, as Knox notes, so he has every reason in the world to behave himself and try to earn a big contract in free agency. However, he has not shown the ability to reign himself in, no matter what the Steelers did to try and help him.
As Knox notes, if Mike Tomlin couldn’t do it, why would anyone think Schottenheimer can?
More Dallas Cowboys News from Gridiron Heroics
- Dak Prescott’s Super Bowl Hype Doesn’t Matter Anymore to Stephen A. Smith
- Dak Prescott Reveals 1 Important Thing He Needs for His Sanity
- “I Think It’s Important to Be in the Building;” Micah Parsons Shows Value of Camp Despite Contract Woes
For More Great Football Content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in college and professional football, click here
