Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens at practice on Dec. 18, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
After the Pittsburgh Steelers traded him to the Dallas Cowboys last offseason, George Pickens did exactly what Jerry Jones hoped.
The mercurial receiver posted career-highs in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown grabs, and hoped to cash in on the impressive effort this offseason. Instead, Pickens was franchise-tagged and will be paid roughly $27 million next season. He’d prefer to have some long-term financial security, but Jones is making things tough in contract talks.
Cam Newton, the 2015 Associated Press NFL MVP, has his thoughts on what’s going on.
“People forget that the storyline may change, the strategy will not,” Newton said on his “4th&1” podcast. “Why do we consider Dallas America’s Team? Because they’re always in the headlines. This is a strategy, ladies and gentlemen. … He understands how to stay on the tip of people’s tongues, and keep talking about the Dallas Cowboys.
“It’s all about marketing. And he understands, Jerry Jones can be the bad guy. Jerry Jones understands that he can be the bad guy. But a player can’t. Why? Because, first off, I pay you. Second off, I got you. Third off, I traded for you in the event we did get you. The man with $2 don’t get told what to do (by) the man who makes 50¢.”
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens after a game against the Washington Commanders on Nov. 11, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Newton doesn’t think Pickens has much leverage in the situation, especially considering the high-profile players who have been at Jones’ mercy.
“Bro, you have nowhere to go,” Newton said. “Jerry Jones has been using this strategy. And, isn’t this mighty funny? He uses the same strategy during the offseason, to get people worked up. It’s just unfortunate that Dave Mulugheta and George Pickens are the subject of this particular conversation now.”
Newton listed CeeDee Lamb, Zack Martin, Ezekiel Elliott, Dez Bryant, Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin as having the same exact issue with Jones.
“These are just small examples,” Newton said. “Cannot forget Micah Parsons. But, understand, these are star players. And if we will do this with star players, hey, buddy. … You ain’t even gonna make the team newsletter. Don’t nobody care nothing about you. This is about me. There’s not ever gonna be a bigger star than Jerry Jacoby Jones. Let that be known. Not in Dallas.”
Mentioned In This Article: Dallas Cowboys George Pickens Jerry Jones Pittsburgh Steelers Steelers