Brian Schottenheimer reveals initial impressions of George Pickens since joining Cowboys

Newly acquired receiver George Pickens has wasted no time making a good impression on Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer. Pickens, acquired earlier this month from the Pittsburgh Steelers, has been “dialed in the meeting room,” per Jon Machota of The Athletic, working hard to get acclimated to his new team.

“I see a guy that’s maturing,” Schottenheimer said. “He obviously is a tremendous athlete, but I love watching him in meetings because in meetings he’s been so dialed in, taking great notes.”

Dallas acquired Pickens and a 2026 sixth round pick from Pittsburgh in exchange for a 2026 third round pick and a 2027 fifth round pick. Pickens appeared in 14 games last season as he missed some time with an injury. During that time, he hauled in 59 receptions for 900 yards and three touchdowns as a key piece of the Steelers’ passing attack. That came after an impressive second year in the NFL in 2023 when he had a career-high 1,140 yards and five touchdowns. His 18.1 yards per reception led the league that season.

His tenure in Pittsburgh was turbulent at times. Pickens has arrived for games and meetings later than requested by coaches, as well as arguing with fans during games. There was plenty of talk about the Steelers possibly moving on from Pickens during last season and now, he’s a Cowboy. Schottenheimer is glad to have him.

“I’m thrilled with the way the guys have responded to him,” Schottenheimer said. “We did our homework on [Pickens], we don’t have those concerns.”

CeeDee Lamb discusses fit next to George Pickens in Cowboys’ offense

With Pickens aboard, the potential is there for him and CeeDee Lamb to form one of the league’s most dangerous receiving duos. Sure, you might say Pickens is WR2 behind Lamb. But Lamb believes both are 1s and will present unique challenges to opposing defenses.

“We’re both No. 1s,” Lamb told DLLS Cowboys. “It ain’t no [1A, 1B situation], none of that. It’s No. 1. You look over there, you see No. 1. You look over here, you see another No. 1. So do what you gotta do with that.”

Lamb missed two games in 2024 but still finished with a team-leading 101 receptions for 1,194 yards and six touchdowns. He saw 152 targets, 66 more than the next Dallas skill player (Jake Ferguson, 86). Lamb is one of the best receivers in the NFL and will continue to be productive.

Will he see 150-plus targets for the fourth consecutive season? It would seem unlikely with Pickens involved. Of course, if the production gets more spread out and the Cowboys are winning games, Lamb and/or Pickens won’t be complaining.