George Pickens is making himself right at home in Dallas - and making a statement while he's at it.
Now in his fourth NFL season, Pickens has taken a major leap forward, turning in the best year of his career in his first season with the Cowboys. After being traded from the Steelers this past offseason, the 24-year-old wideout has flourished in Dallas, forming a quick and dangerous connection with quarterback Dak Prescott. Through 15 games, Pickens has hauled in 88 catches for 1,342 yards and nine touchdowns - all career highs - and he’s showing no signs of slowing down.
To put that in perspective: Pickens ranks third in the entire NFL in receiving yards this season, trailing only Seattle’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba (1,637 yards) and the Rams’ breakout star Puka Nacua (1,592 yards). That’s elite company, and Pickens has earned every bit of it.
This surge in production didn’t come out of nowhere, but it’s certainly been turbocharged by the change of scenery. Pickens spent his first three seasons with the Steelers after being drafted in the second round back in 2022. He showed flashes in Pittsburgh - 262 receptions, 4,183 yards, and 21 touchdowns over 63 games - but the consistency and chemistry he’s found in Dallas has taken his game to another level.
The Cowboys acquired Pickens in May, sending a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-rounder to Pittsburgh in exchange for the receiver and a 2027 sixth-round pick. That deal is already looking like a steal for Dallas. The offense has leaned heavily on Pickens' ability to stretch the field, win contested catches, and give Prescott a reliable target in high-leverage moments.
And now, the league is taking notice.
On Tuesday, Pickens was officially named to his first Pro Bowl - a well-earned honor that reflects not only his individual brilliance but also the impact he’s had on the Cowboys’ offense this year. He’ll represent the NFC alongside fellow wideouts Nacua, Smith-Njigba, and Detroit’s Amon-Ra St. Brown at the Pro Bowl Games in San Francisco on February 3.
For Pickens, the recognition is meaningful - but he’s quick to share the credit.
“Yeah, super proud of myself,” he said after the announcement. “Super proud of the guys because I wouldn’t be able to do some of it without the guys.”
That team-first mentality has resonated in Dallas, where the Cowboys are still fighting to close out the season on a high note. Sitting at 6-8-1, they’ll face the Washington Commanders (4-11) on Christmas Day in a nationally streamed matchup on Netflix.
Whether or not the Cowboys can claw their way into the playoff picture, one thing is clear: George Pickens has arrived. And if this season is any indication, he’s just getting started.