George Pickens arrived in Dallas with both baggage and upside. His undeniable talent as a big-play wide receiver made him a valuable trade target. But the noise surrounding his locker room demeanor during his time in Pittsburgh followed him south. Pickens has been labeled emotional, volatile, even selfish by some, terms that lingered long after the Steelers decided to part ways with the former second-round pick.
Now with the Cowboys and surrounded by a veteran core, Pickens has an opportunity to rewrite the narrative. And according to Dak Prescott, that rewrite may already be underway.
Cowboys QB Dak Prescott Shuts Down Rumors About George Pickens’ Character Issues
Prescott addressed the elephant in the room during his June 12 press conference, offering an inside look at how Pickens has adjusted to his new environment. Prescott was forthright when it came to separating hearsay from reality.
“That’s why I don’t think you should ever really listen to what somebody else says about somebody,” Prescott said. “I think you should judge everyone, not judge but find out for yourself who they are and allow them to reveal their character to you.”
That mindset appears to be serving Pickens well in his transition to Dallas. Rather than focusing on past criticisms, Prescott emphasized what he’s seen firsthand: Effort, energy, and a commitment to the team.
“The guy, he’s been great, he’s been phenomenal,” Prescott continued. “He’s a guy that loves football, loves his teammates. He’s been excited every day that he’s been here. He’s been early.”
Dak Prescott when asked about George Pickens’ reputation coming from Pittsburgh and how he has interacted with the Cowboys locker room: “That’s why I don’t think you should ever really listen to what somebody else says about somebody. I think you should judge everyone, not judge… pic.twitter.com/eBo28LiJrA
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) June 12, 2025
Prescott’s comments are more than just quarterback diplomacy. They hint at a culture reset for Pickens, who spent three seasons in Pittsburgh trying to prove he could be the team’s WR1. Now in Dallas, he doesn’t have to be the primary focus — CeeDee Lamb has that role locked down — but he can still be a crucial weapon in an offense designed to spread the field.
Pickens is joining a high-octane unit with plenty of speed and spacing. He’ll line up alongside Lamb, Jalen Tolbert, and KaVontae Turpin — three players who all bring different elements to the wide receiver room. That could open up more favorable matchups for Pickens, especially if defenses prioritize slowing down Lamb.
The last time the Cowboys had a big-time player at the No. 2 receiver spot was 2021, when Amari Cooper was a Cowboy.
Since then, the Cowboys have struggled to find a reliable and consistent counterpart to Lamb. The hope is that a player like Pickens will elevate Lamb’s game and Pickens himself, especially with a contract year coming up.
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There’s also the benefit of stability at quarterback. Prescott isn’t just a veteran; he’s one of the more efficient passers in the league when given time in the pocket. That structure, combined with Brian Schottenheimer’s familiarity as play-caller, could help Pickens focus on football rather than headlines.
“So no concerns on the personal matters of GP and anything about it,” Prescott said. “Just super excited that he’s on our team. He’s one of us. He’s a brother, and it’s just about continuing to grow and make sure we’re putting the best out there. That’s his approach.”
For now, the Cowboys are choosing to judge Pickens not by his past, but by his present. And in the locker room that matters most, he seems to be passing the test.