George Pickens is far from a locker room problem and he continues to prove it.
Even in a 44-24 loss, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens was a bright spot. He caught seven passes on nine targets and led the team with 78 receiving yards. More than one went in Pickens’ ever-growing list of spectacular grabs.
But what fans at home didn’t catch on Sunday was a sideline moment that shows how much Pickens has evolved as a teammate, and how much his overall attitude has improved even in bad moments. The player constantly criticized for his behavior during his days with the Pittsburgh Steelers simply didn’t make it to Dallas when he was traded in May, and we keep seeing evidence of it.
In a now-deleted video posted by Cowboys insider Bobby Belt from 105.3 The Fan, Pickens approaches Prescott following the quarterback’s second interception of the game. As Belt puts it, “Pickens tapped himself on the chest and then seemed to have a productive conversation with Dak Prescott.”
It’s a simple moment unlikely to go viral, especially because it’s a positive one. But it reaffirms everything we’ve learned about Pickens so far. He’s been a great teammate for the Cowboys. There has been no drama between him and No. 1 receiver CeeDee Lamb. When he talks to reporters, it’s right answer after right answer. Asked about staying even keeled through wins and losses, Pickens had a comment that reflects his behavior on the sidelines.
“Knowing that the sun going to rise the next day, and it’s going to be another day after that, and then another day after that, then you got another game,” Pickens said postgame. “So, you definitely can’t sit and pout on it or else you’re going to lose. So, we definitely have another opportunity, and then when we get that chance, we definitely got to execute.”
For the Cowboys, it’s clear Pickens is a better player than they hoped, and he’s become a much better teammate. With the star wide receiver in a contract year, it’s all worth considering, as Dallas should be thinking about extending him next offseason. With the way he’s playing and behaving (which was the biggest question for many around the NFL), Pickens’ value will be north of $30 million per year when it’s all said and done.
For now, he and the Cowboys can continue enjoying the honeymoon period made possible by his production and way of carrying himself around the team
