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Jason Garrett Reacts To The Cowboys Trading For George Pickens

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated May 7, 2025 6:01 PM ET

Jason Garrett reacted to the Dallas Cowboys acquiring George Pickens on Wednesday.

Dallas sent a 2026 third-round pick and 2027 fifth to the Pittsburgh Steelers for Pickens and a 2027 sixth. The deal gives Dak Prescott and the Cowboys' offense a high-upside wide receiver following a 7-10 season.

Garrett went on PFT Live to discuss the trade. The former Cowboys head coach gave his old team a thumbs-up.

"I think it's a great trade for Dallas," Garrett said. "If you look at their team, I think they got a lot of good weapons. And for me, the whole thing works because of the quarterback. Dak can work with everybody. He'll bring the best out of anybody."

When the Steelers and Cowboys met on Sunday Night Football last year, Pickens played the fewest snaps of his career and ended the game by yanking Jourdan Lewis's facemask. Garrett noted that Jerry Jones likes betting on talented players with perceived character concerns, but he believes Dallas has the veteran leadership to make it work.

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 22: Head coach Jason Garrett of the Dallas Cowboys looks down after a ruling against them during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 22, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images)

Ultimately, Garrett believes the acquisition's success boils down to how Pickens and Prescott coalesce. Pittsburgh's quarterback situation was in flux throughout the receiver's three-year tenure, but he'll now work with a three-time Pro Bowler entering his 10th year with the Cowboys.

"Pickens knows that, 'If I develop a relationship with Dak, he's gonna throw me the ball. I'm gonna have a lot of success.' All of that," Garrett said. "I think Dak fully understands that, and I think that's the key relationship here."

After tallying 900 receiving yards last season, Pickens enters Dallas in a contract year. Garrett doesn't see the Cowboys rushing to extend the 24-year-old this summer, especially since they're busy negotiating a new deal for Micah Parsons a year after locking down CeeDee Lamb.

"They have to see how he fits in," Garrett said. "I do think they have to see how he plays before they say, let's sign George Pickens to some sort of a long-term deal. I don't think that's in the plans right away, but I do think it's a good fit."

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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