Breaking In: George Pickens Wasn’t Cowboys’ First Choice — Jerry Jones Wanted Young Ravens Receiver, It’s Revealed
In a surprising twist to the Dallas Cowboys’ offseason drama, a new report has emerged revealing that wide receiver George Pickens was not the franchise’s top target. According to sources close to the front office, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones initially set his sights on a promising young receiver from the Baltimore Ravens before ultimately shifting his focus to Pickens.
The revelation adds an intriguing layer to what was already a headline-grabbing acquisition. While the Cowboys have remained tight-lipped on their internal decision-making process, insiders say Jones was enamored with Ravens breakout star Zay Flowers, the 2023 first-round pick who quickly became a go-to target in Baltimore’s offense.
“Jerry really wanted Zay,” a source familiar with the Cowboys’ trade discussions told reporters. “He saw him as a game-changer, someone who could give CeeDee Lamb the kind of elite partner he’s never really had. There were calls, there were inquiries, but Baltimore wasn’t letting go.”
According to the same source, Dallas quietly made a strong offer for Flowers earlier in the offseason, proposing a high draft pick and additional assets. However, the Ravens swiftly shut down the idea, viewing Flowers as a cornerstone of their offense moving forward — especially given quarterback Lamar Jackson’s trust in the young wideout.
With Baltimore holding firm and time ticking on Dallas’ plans to upgrade their receiving corps, the Cowboys shifted gears and landed George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers. The move was met with excitement among fans, though some now wonder whether Pickens was simply the backup plan all along.
Pickens, entering his third year in the league, brings undeniable upside. His highlight-reel catches and physical style made him a fan favorite in Pittsburgh, but reports of locker room tension and inconsistent chemistry with quarterbacks likely made the Steelers more willing to part ways. Still, the Cowboys are betting on his talent flourishing in their system — especially alongside Lamb and under the guidance of Dak Prescott.
NFL analysts are now weighing in on the news, with many pointing to Jerry Jones’ tendency to go after high-profile, flashy players. Flowers, known for his sharp route-running and elite quickness, would have fit that mold perfectly. Pickens, by contrast, offers a more rugged, vertical threat — a different kind of weapon, but still potentially explosive.
“Dallas may not have gotten their first choice,” one league executive noted, “but George Pickens could end up being exactly what they need — a tough, fearless receiver who can stretch the field and take pressure off Lamb.”
Neither the Cowboys nor the Ravens have issued official comments on the report, and Pickens himself has yet to address the story. For now, fans in Dallas will hope that the second choice turns out to be the right one.
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on how Pickens integrates into the Cowboys’ offense — and whether the ghost of what could’ve been in Zay Flowers lingers in the background.
