Jerry Jones, the owner of the Dallas Cowboys, has always been a fan of taking on reclamation projects. He has a knack for seeing potential in players who may have had a rough start to their career. However, with the recent addition of George Pickens to the team, Jones may be pushing his patience to the limit.
Last May, the Cowboys made a bold move by trading a third-round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers for Pickens. On the surface, it seemed like a great move. Pickens was a talented receiver with a lot of potential, and the Cowboys were in need of a playmaker on offense. However, as the season progressed, it became clear that Pickens came with more than just his impressive skills on the field.
While Pickens did show up on the stat sheet, he also brought with him a series of headaches for the Cowboys. Fines piled up, buses were missed, and reports of undisciplined behavior started to surface. This left many questioning whether the trade was worth it for the Cowboys.
But it seems that the Cowboys are not the only ones who have noticed Pickens’ lack of discipline. According to reports, new offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer has been the one to take action against Pickens’ behavior. Schottenheimer has reportedly punished Pickens multiple times, in an attempt to instill some discipline in the young receiver.
It’s not surprising that Schottenheimer has taken on this role. He comes from a coaching pedigree, as his father Marty Schottenheimer was known for his strict discipline with players. It seems that Schottenheimer is trying to bring that same level of discipline to the Cowboys, and Pickens is the first player to feel the brunt of it.
But why is Pickens struggling with discipline? Some speculate that it may be due to his contract negotiations with the Cowboys. Pickens is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is looking for a big payday. With the Cowboys being known for their tough negotiating tactics, it’s possible that Pickens is feeling the pressure and acting out as a result.
However, this is where Jerry Jones’ patience comes into play. He has always been willing to take on players with a troubled past, and he has had success with it in the past. Jones has a way of connecting with players and understanding their motivations. It’s possible that he sees something in Pickens that others may not.
There’s no denying that Pickens is a talented player. He has the potential to be a top receiver in the league and could be a key piece in the Cowboys’ offense. But in order for that to happen, he needs to get his act together and show that he can be a disciplined and reliable player on and off the field.
It’s clear that the Cowboys are not giving up on Pickens just yet. They have invested a lot in him, both in terms of draft capital and time. But it’s up to Pickens to prove that he is worth the investment. He needs to show that he can be a professional and contribute to the team in a positive way.
In the end, it all comes down to Pickens and his ability to stay disciplined. If he can do that, he has the potential to become a key player for the Cowboys. But if he continues to struggle with discipline, it may be time for Jerry Jones to reevaluate his patience and consider moving on from the reclamation project. Only time will tell, but for now, it’s up to Pickens to prove himself and show that he can be an asset to the Dallas Cowboys.
