Cowboys 'hoping' to unlock new part of George Pickens' game in 2026

The Dallas Cowboys traded for George Pickens ahead of the 2025 NFL season, and his first season with the team was a massive success.

But now, with the 2026 season just about to get underway, starting in Week 1 against the New York Giants, the Cowboys have some big plans for Pickens once again.

Except it's not a simple repeat of 2025 for Pickens. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that the Cowboys are "hoping to unlock" a new part of Pickens' game as a receiver. That new part of his game? Versatility.

Cowboys hoping George Pickens can be more versatile in 2026 season

"The Cowboys are hoping to unlock more versatility in George Pickens, a traditional outside receiver who is entering a key career stretch while on the franchise tag," Fowler reports.

But what does making Pickens more versatile actually mean? Well, since Pickens was used predominantly as an outside receiver last year, adding versatility to his game could mean a move into the slot for Pickens.

"Head coach Brian Schottenheimer told me he plans to tweak the Dallas offense about 15% to 25% from last season to keep sophisticated defenses guessing," Fowler writes. "Part of the question is moving Pickens around."

Pickens being used more out of the slot, or in different creative ways, could open the door to a whole lot more production for the 25-year-old receiver in the Dallas offense.

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Last year, Pickens caught 93 passes for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns. To have a better year than that, the Cowboys are going to have to get creative in how they utilize Pickens.

That could mean more snaps from the slot, using him on motions, or in odd alignments. Shaking things up instead of simply lining him up outside like he's done for most of his career could be what the Cowboys need to get Pickens to have another breakout season.

Seeing how the Cowboys use Pickens this upcoming season is going to be very interesting. Shottenheimer seemingly wants to bring more versatility into Pickens' game in 2026, which could be the spark he needs to have another elite season.

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