Dallas Cowboys Acquire WR George Pickens for Two Draft Picks

George Pickens, recently traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Dallas Cowboys, has been a controversial figure due to behavioral issues and inconsistent effort, leading several NFL teams, including the New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals, to avoid pursuing him despite his undeniable talent as a wide receiver. Analysts and insiders describe Pickens as a problematic player on and off the field, often requiring coaching staff and teammates to manage his conduct, which has diminished his appeal as a trade target during team rebuilds focused on culture and stability. The Jets, after missing out on Pickens, are now looking toward free agency and have been linked to receiver Gabe Davis as a potential affordable upgrade to bolster their thin wide receiver corps. Similarly, the New Orleans Saints opted not to pursue Pickens, citing concerns over his temperament and the team's current rebuilding phase, even though his skill set could have been valuable. The Cowboys, acquiring Pickens with draft capital, may offer him a platform to maximize his talents and potentially secure a lucrative contract despite the risks. Overall, teams appear to weigh Pickens' high athletic potential against significant character and commitment concerns, influencing their decisions to pass on adding him to their rosters.