Steelers Now
All-Pro Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown recently weighed in on the Dallas Cowboys’ acquisition of former Pittsburgh Steelers receiver George Pickens, offering high praise and acknowledging the added challenge it presents for the upcoming season.
“I ain’t going to lie. We’re going to have to worry about them for sure. I like the trade. I like the competition, you know,” Brown said while speaking to a group of teenagers at a youth event in Delaware.
Brown and the Eagles will face Pickens and the Cowboys twice this season in critical NFC East matchups that could have major playoff implications. The Eagles are coming off a Super Bowl run, while the Cowboys are retooling their offense in hopes of finally getting over the postseason hump. Adding a high-upside playmaker like Pickens only intensifies what is already one of the league’s fiercest rivalries.
Pickens joins a Dallas receiving room that already features CeeDee Lamb, one of the league’s most productive wideouts. On paper, the two could form one of the most dangerous wide receiver tandems in the NFL. In his three seasons with the Steelers, Pickens recorded 174 catches for 2,841 yards and 12 touchdowns. His blend of athleticism, contested catch ability, and deep-threat presence made him a fan favorite in Pittsburgh, but lingering behavioral concerns and reported locker room issues were said to be among the primary reasons the team decided to move on.
“It’s going to be exciting to watch because that only brings the best out of us,” Brown added, noting the added motivation that comes with facing another elite receiver duo in the division.
While the Cowboys have bolstered their receiving corps, the Eagles are still well-stocked at the position. Brown and former Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith form a formidable duo of their own, both capable of taking over games and stretching defenses vertically and horizontally.
One of the lingering criticisms of the Steelers’ handling of Pickens during his time in Pittsburgh was their failure to provide him with a reliable secondary option at receiver. In 2024, the team cycled through multiple attempts to add support, including rumored pursuits of Brandon Aiyuk and Cooper Kupp, but never landed a legitimate No. 2 wideout. That left Pickens frequently drawing the attention of opposing defenses, often facing double coverage with little relief.
Now, in Dallas, he’ll be lining up opposite an All-Pro talent in Lamb. The added spacing and fewer defensive eyes on him could allow Pickens to unlock a new level in his game. If he can stay focused and mature in a more stable offensive environment, he has the tools to become a star.
The move not only reshapes the Cowboys’ offense but adds more intrigue to what should be two must-watch meetings between Dallas and Philadelphia this season.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Rival Says George Pickens Trade Makes Cowboys a Contender
