The Dallas Cowboys sent a third-round pick in 2026 and a fifth-round pick in 2027 to the Pittsburgh Steelers last May for wide receiver George Pickens. Immediately after the deal went down, there were plenty of eyebrows raised.

That’s because during his time with the Steelers, the word was that Pickens had some baggage attached to him. Specifically, he got the “diva” label placed on him, which made a lot of people nervous about the addition. With that said, Pickens ended up having a big year with the Cowboys in 2025 as he set career highs in receptions (93), yards (1,429), and touchdowns (9).

Then came the offseason, and the talks about a long-term deal for Pickens in Dallas came about. The hope for many was that it would get done, but executive vice president Stephen Jones shot that down and said that Pickens would play on the franchise tag for a fully guaranteed $27.3 million this season.

Despite his reputation in the past, Pickens hasn’t caused any waves since coming to the Cowboys. He spoke recently about why things have worked out up until this point in Dallas, and the people in place around him play a key factor.

I’d say the type of coaches and the people around. When it’s a different vibe and environment, then that’s mostly what you’re seeing out of me now. They’re more lighthearted people, ask questions first and see your answer before going with their own narrative.

One person that certainly deserves a pat on the back is wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. He and Pickens had a bond before the trade was made due to training together in the offseason when he was still with the Steelers. Since Pickens has gotten to Dallas, he and Lamb have been almost inseparable, which undoubtedly helps him feel secure.

Another big factor is head coach Brian Schottenheimer. He has continuously supported Pickens and vouched for his love of the game. Although he signed the franchise tag, there was concern that Pickens wouldn’t be at mandatory minicamp in June. However, Schottenheimer kept saying he expected Pickens to be there, and Pickens was there.

He is currently having a strong camp as he looks to show once again why he deserves a lucrative contract with the Cowboys. Yes, Pickens has had a few slip ups when it comes to being late to meetings and stuff like that, but there’s been nothing of any major significance since he got to Dallas, and it’s because he’s learned from some of his errors.

Definitely. The older you get, you definitely get mature.

Pickens has said that he’s focused on winning a Super Bowl more than anything and that all the financial stuff will work itself out. As for now, the good thing is that Pickens is comfortable, which allows him to be the dominant player that he’s capable of being.

FC Dallas recorded its second straight shutout in Leagues Cup play by downing Chivas de Guadalajara 1-0.

Highlights

Lineups:

FC Dallas: Jonathan Sirois, Bernard Kamungo, Nolan Norris, Shaq Moore, Sebastien Ibeagha (Osaze Urhoghide 66’), Herman Johansson; Kaick, Ramiro (Chris Cappis 46’), Joaquin Valiente (Logan Farrington 66’), Petar Musa (Ran Binyamin 82’), Sam Sarver (Santiago Moreno 46’)

Bench: Michael Collodi, Lalas Abubakar, Santiago Moreno, Clay Holstad, Patrickson Delgado, Nicholas Simmonds, Alvaro Augusto,

Chivas: Raúl Rangel, Miguel Gomez (Efrain Alvarez 46’), Luis Romo, Diego Campillo, Rubén González (Kevin Castandeda 61’), Bryan González, Ángel Sepúlveda, Omar Govea (Jordan Carrillo 78‘), Richard Ledezma (Brian Gutierrez 70’), Armando González (Ricardo Marin 61’), Roberto Alvarado

Bench: Jonathan Perez, Miguel Tapias, Oscar Whalley, Angel Chavez, Luis Gabriel Rey, Angel Romero

Scoring Summary

FCD: Farrington (Moreno) – 72’

Misconduct Summary

FCD: Kamungo – 76’

Stats

Club Notes

Big Dawg’s first: Forward Logan Farrington scored his first career Leagues Cup goal to propel FC Dallas past C.D. Guadalajara. The Racine, Wisconsin, native has scored six goals this season for Dallas. 

Sirois Saves: Goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois recorded his third consecutive clean sheet across all competitions and second straight in Leagues Cup. Sirois has made 23 saves over his last three matches, including five tonight.

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1. Can Tyler Seguin stay healthy?

The 34-year-old forward has dealt with some brutal injuries over the past two seasons. Between hip surgery in 2024-25 and ACL surgery last season, Seguin has been limited to 47 games over the past two years. When he is healthy, however, he can still provide offense for the Stars.

Seguin had 17 points (seven goals, 10 assists) in 27 games before his injury on Dec. 2 cost him the rest of last season. In 2024-25, he had 21 points (nine goals, 12 assists) in 20 games (he had hip surgery after his 19th game before returning for Dallas’ regular-season finale on April 16, 2025).

Seguin is entering the last of an eight-year, $78.8 million contract ($9.85 million average annual value) he signed with Dallas on Sept. 13, 2018. He deserves good health. If he can stay in the lineup, he can put up the numbers.