REPORT: Dallas Cowboys Offseason Acquisition Named a Top-5 Riskiest Move in the NFL

Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys have certainly made a great deal of changes to their team over the course of the offseason, but not all of their decisions have been considered positive.

While many believe Dallas was right to part ways with former head coach Mike McCarthy, hiring Brian Schottenheimer, who has never been a head coach before despite 25 years as an assistant, left many scratching their heads.

Similarly, many fans and analysts wonder if the Cowboys are making the right choice by delaying Micah Parsons’ inevitable contract extension.

Indeed, the four-time Pro Bowl pass rusher is going to get paid, so why is Dallas delaying what everyone knows will happen? That being said, if they choose not to re-sign him because they cannot come to an agreement with him, well, that would be quite the decision in and of itself.

However, neither of these made Bleacher Report‘s list of the top-five riskiest moves of the NFL offseason.

Will the Dallas Cowboys Regret Trading for George Pickens?

Dallas Cowboys, George Pickens
Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) makes a catch against the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Earlier this offseason, the Cowboys decided to get a bonified number two wide receiver to compliment All-Pro CeeDeel Lamb by acquiring George Pickens in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Pickens had long been at the center of much frustration in Pittsburgh due to his attitude, and became apparent that the organization had had enough.

In order to add Pickens, who had 59 receptions for 900 yards and three touchdowns in 2024 while playing for one of the league’s worst offenses, Dallas had to give up a 2026 third round pick and 2027 fifth round pick.

And Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report wonders if that may have been too steep of a price:

“Considering the Cowboys have long lacked a dependable second receiver opposite Lamb and need to find a fast start under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, this trade was a significant risk.

“For one, Pickens’ on-field consistency was a major issue in Pittsburgh, which is why he was dealt in the first place. The 24-year-old has immense talent and, physically, could be an ideal match for Lamb. However, he’s struggled with focus and professionalism.

“If a seasoned head coach like Tomlin can’t corral Pickens, the receiver could become a real problem for Schottenheimer.

“Even if Pickens shows maturity in Dallas, complements Lamb perfectly and returns to being a 1,000-yard receiver, he’s bringing a risk factor. That’s because the Cowboys traded for Pickens as he was entering a contract year.

“If Pickens flops, the Cowboys offense may disappoint. If he truly shines, he could price himself out in 2026 free agency—if and when Dallas extends Parsons, it will have three players earning at least $34 million annually.

“Of course, there’s also the chance that Pickens plays just well enough to earn a mid-level contract and give Dallas a long-term answer in the WR2 role.”

Pickens is entering a contract year, as Knox notes, so he has every reason in the world to behave himself and try to earn a big contract in free agency. However, he has not shown the ability to reign himself in, no matter what the Steelers did to try and help him.

As Knox notes, if Mike Tomlin couldn’t do it, why would anyone think Schottenheimer can?

Related Posts

🚨 BREAKING: The Miami Dolphins are reportedly set to make “splash moves” as GM Jon-Eric Sullivan looks to stockpile talent around QB Malik Willis. Insiders expect Miami to trade down multiple times to build for the future, potentially flipping current picks for high-value selections in the 2027 NFL Draft. This isn’t just a short-term strategy… it’s an ambitious long-term vision to reshape the team in the coming seasons. 👇👇

The&пbsp;Miami Dolphiпs&пbsp;are eпteriпg a пew era this year with a first-year head coach aпd geпeral maпager broυght iп to bυild a team aroυпd qυarterback Malik Willis. With…

🚨 BREAKING: Just 3 hours after Friday morning’s press conference, GM Brett Veach surprisingly announces he will select a superstar OT with over 3,778 snaps at the 9th overall pick in Round 1 — a strategic decision that has the entire NFL taking notice! With his extensive experience and durability, this addition will make a major impact on the Chiefs’ offensive line. This isn’t just a pick… it’s a strategic move to strengthen the team for the upcoming season. 👏👇

Kansas City, MO — Just three hours after Friday morning’s press conference, Kansas City Chiefs General Manager Brett Veach sent shockwaves through Chiefs Kingdom by unexpectedly revealing his intention…

🚨 DALLAS STUNS THE NFL: Cowboys Snag Miami’s All-Pro Tackling MACHINE (183 Tackles!) — Round 1 Plans Are Completely REWRITTEN! 👇 Cowboys Make a Power Move: Landing a Tackling Phenomenon — This Game-Changer Will Completely Alter Dallas’ Draft Strategy!

One of the multiple defensive positions the Dallas Cowboys need to address this offseason is inside linebacker. The failed Logan Wilson and Kenneth Murray experiments have left…

🚨 SHOCKING RETURN REQUEST: Ex-Chiefs Superstar WR Wants Back in Kansas City — Could This Reunion Shake Up the NFL? 👇 A Bold Call for Redemption: The WR Who Left Wants to Rejoin the Chiefs — Will Kansas City Welcome Him Back with Open Arms?

Kansas City, MO — The Kansas City Chiefs may be on the verge of a heartwarming reunion that feels bigger than football, as one of the most explosive…

🚨 BREAKING: Adam Schefter reveals the Steelers are on the verge of a blockbuster trade with the Saints, adding the ultimate weapon for Will Howard — a strategic move that could completely reshape the future of the Pittsburgh team! This deal is not just shaking up the trade market but also brings a star player to help the Steelers strengthen their roster and compete more fiercely in the AFC. This isn’t just a signing… it’s a crucial step to perfecting the lineup and pushing for success. 👏👇

The NFL landscape has just been rocked by a bombshell report: the Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly closing in on a major trade deal that could redefine the AFC North…

🚨 TRADE MASTERSTROKE: Analysts Reveal Brilliant Package Sending Disgruntled WR Away for Massive Defensive Trench Monster — A Move That Will Rock the League 👇 A Bold Strategy: The Shocking Trade That Sends a Star WR Packing and Brings a Defensive Force — How This Changes the NFL Landscape.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – April 10, 2026. The San Francisco organization officially evaluates executing another brilliant defensive blockbuster transaction today. General manager John Lynch completely understands that resolving distracting offensive player…