Cowboys' George Pickens Called Out for ‘Lack of Effort’ in Season Opener
In the most basic sports terms, the tape don’t lie. And the truth the game tape told about Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens in a season opening loss to the Philadelphia Eagles was hard to stomach.
That truth the tape showed the world is that Pickens still has the same problems he had that led the Pittsburgh Steelers to trade him to the Cowboys in the first place — a terrible lack of effort that might eventually unravel a once promising career.
“Not enough effort, not enough commitment to the team,” former NFL offensive lineman and 3-time Pro Bowler Taylor Lewan said on ESPN’s “Get Up” on September 11. “(The Cowboys) need more from you when the ball’s not coming your way. There needs to be a full package of commitment from George Pickens … you’re a massively talented young man but we can’t have you jogging in run concepts. You’ve gotta be all in. I need to watch that tape and know you’re fully committed on every snap.”
Lewan Not Only Panelist Fed Up With Pickens
Lewan’s comments started a flood of criticism of Pickens, who has long been thought of as one of the NFL’s most talented but most underachieving wide receivers.
Pickens is also playing for what could be a life changing free agent contract after this season. He was a second round pick (No. 52 overall) in the 2022 NFL draft and is in the final season of his 4-year, $6.75 million rookie contract.
“We saw it with the Steelers,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter said. “(Pickens) doesn’t give effort when he doesn’t have the ball … the solution isn’t going to be (head coach) Brian Schottenheimer calling him into his office to talk. It needs to be Dak Prescott talking to him and asking him if he’s really all in. The Cowboys should be getting maximum effort from Pickens. He’s looking at $25 to $30 million per year if he performs … so how hard is this to get him to show effort? In Pittsburgh he was somebody they couldn’t count on … maximum talent but the effort isn’t there.”
Frustrations With Pickens Could Boil Over Quickly
Pickens’ terrible performance against the Eagles mostly went under the radar — he had 3 receptions for 30 yards on 4 targets — mostly because of the controversy over “Spitgate” and fellow wide receiver CeeDee Lamb’s critical drops in the second half.
He’ll get no such cover moving forward — the Cowboys return home for Week 2 for another NFC East Division game against the New York Giants.
It’s hard to see the Cowboys putting up with a prolonged lack of effort from Pickens, who has a history of on-field and off-field incidents throughout his entire career.
The Ringer’s Sheil Kapadia predicted the move will backfire on the Cowboys to the point Pickens won’t even last a full season in Dallas.
“I’m like … it wouldn’t shock us is George Pickens is off the roster by Thanksgiving,” Kapadia said on The Ringer NFL Show on August 18. “I mean, everything is in play with that guy.”
Heyward Weighs Risks and Rewards in New Deal as He Pursues Steelers Legacy
Four-time first-team All-Pro defensive lineman Cameron Heyward declined to discuss his new contract incentives after the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the New York Jets. Heyward then didn’t address the topic on the September 10 episode of his podcast, “Not Just Football.”
But Heyward wasn’t going to be able to publicly avoid his reworked contract the entire season. The defensive lineman addressed the incentives added to his new deal in front of reporters Thursday.
“I’m only realizing how more I’m relieved because I’m sleeping a lot better; I’m glad to put that behind us,” Heyward said, via DK Pittsburgh Sports. “I’m glad I can just focus on football and go out there and earn it.”
The Steelers agreed to add $3.2 million in incentives to Heyward’s 2025 contract. TribLive.com’s Joe Rutter reported Thursday that Heyward will earn half of his incentives if he posts eight sacks, and the Steelers make the postseason.
Heyward will get the other half of his incentive should he register 11.5 sacks, and the Steelers win a playoff game.
If Heyward and the Steelers achieve both, he will make a little under $18 million for 2025. According to Spotrac, the defensive lineman will receive $14.75 million in cash for this season.
Steelers & Cameron Heyward Reached Contract Compromise
The defensive lineman received the opportunity for additional pay in 2025. He will get the chance to make more money despite the Steelers usual team policy of not addressing contracts that have more than two years remaining.
But while those were wins for Heyward, he will potentially give up something too.
Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio reported if Heyward doesn’t play more than 30 percent of Pittsburgh’s defensive snaps in 2025, his roster bonus will drop to $875,000.
That’s a big risk for Heyward. His 2026 roster bonus before the restructured deal was set to be $12.95 million. But the new term will protect the Steelers if the 36-year-old suffers a serious injury.
While a great risk, Heyward appears to see it as part of NFL negotiations.
“It has to be a compromise on both sides,” Heyward told reporters. “I understand they don’t normally do it (new deals with two years left). All I’m asking is for an opportunity to go out and earn it.”
Heyward Motivated to Win Super Bowl, Not to Reach Incentives
NFL teams often include incentives in contracts to provide players extra motivation. But Heyward portrayed the notion that his drive to play well and win couldn’t be any higher.
“It doesn’t motivate me any more (than before),” Heyward added. “The goal is not to just win a playoff game, it’s to win a Super Bowl. This is more icing on the cake.”
Heyward and his family will undoubtably enjoy the extra $3.2 million if the defensive lineman earns it. But as the saying goes, money comes and goes.
With five All-Pro nominations and seven Pro Bowls, Heyward has cemented himself as one of the best defensive linemen in team history. But he’s missing playoff success on his resume.
A Super Bowl is the last accomplishment Heyward has left to achieve to truly cement his Steelers legacy.
