Cowboys’ CeeDee Lamb Breaks Silence on George Pickens Trade With Bold Claim

May 19, 2025 – The Dallas Cowboys sent shockwaves through the NFL with their blockbuster trade for Pittsburgh Steelers’ star wide receiver George Pickens, and now, their franchise cornerstone CeeDee Lamb has spoken out for the first time about the move. In a bold statement, Lamb declared that both he and Pickens are “number one” receivers, setting the stage for what could be the most explosive offensive tandem in the league. As the Cowboys gear up for the 2025 season, this dynamic duo is already generating buzz, but can they live up to the hype?

Lamb’s Statement: No Hierarchy, Just Dominance

During a charity softball game hosted by Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray in Scottsdale, Arizona, on May 17, 2025, Lamb addressed the arrival of Pickens for the first time. When asked by DLLS Sports about the new additions to Dallas’ receiving corps, Lamb didn’t hesitate to set the tone. “We’re both number ones,” he said confidently. “There’s no A or B, none of that. You look over there, you see a number one. You look over here, you see a number one.”

Lamb’s remarks reflect a selfless and team-first mentality, a stark contrast to the typical ego battles that can arise when two elite receivers share the spotlight. His claim underscores the belief that neither he nor Pickens will play second fiddle, and together, they aim to overwhelm opposing defenses. The event marked the first public appearance of Lamb and Pickens as teammates, fueling excitement among Cowboys fans eager to see their chemistry on the field.

The Pickens Trade: A Game-Changer for Dallas

The Cowboys acquired Pickens in early May 2025, sending a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick to the Steelers in exchange for the 24-year-old receiver and a 2027 sixth-round pick. Pickens, a second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, brings a proven track record to Dallas. Over three seasons with Pittsburgh, he amassed 174 receptions, 2,841 yards, and 12 touchdowns in 48 games, with his standout 2023 season featuring 63 catches, 1,140 yards, and 5 touchdowns (NFL.com).

Pickens’ ability to win contested catches and stretch the field (averaging 16.7 yards per catch over the past two seasons) complements Lamb’s versatile skill set. Lamb, who led the NFL in 2023 with 1,749 yards and 135 receptions, continued to shine in 2024 with 101 catches, 1,194 yards, and 6 touchdowns despite a challenging 7-10 season for Dallas (ESPN). With Pickens drawing coverage, Lamb is expected to face fewer double-teams, potentially unlocking an even more dominant performance in 2025.

Dak Prescott’s Dream Scenario

Quarterback Dak Prescott, who led the NFL with 36 passing touchdowns in 2023, is thrilled about the addition of Pickens. In an interview on 1310 The Ticket, Prescott praised Pickens’ physicality, noting, “He’s got strong hands and treats every ball like it’s his when it’s in the air.” The arrival of Pickens, alongside Lamb and tight end Jake Ferguson (who recorded 65 receptions, 850 yards, and 7 touchdowns in 2024), gives Prescott a trio of elite targets that few defenses can contain.

Under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, the Cowboys are poised to deploy a versatile offensive scheme. Schottenheimer plans to move Lamb into the slot more frequently to exploit mismatches, while Pickens’ ability to dominate on the outside will stretch defenses thin. Supporting receivers like Jalen Tolbert, Jonathan Mingo, and KaVontae Turpin add depth, making Dallas’ passing attack a nightmare for coordinators (The Athletic).

Challenges and Opportunities

While the Lamb-Pickens pairing looks unstoppable on paper, challenges remain. Pickens’ tenure in Pittsburgh was not without controversy, as he faced fines for unsportsmanlike conduct and questions about his maturity from Steelers coach Mike Tomlin (Yahoo Sports). However, Pickens has expressed enthusiasm for joining the Cowboys, pledging to embrace the team’s winning culture and learn from leaders like Prescott, Lamb, and linebacker Micah Parsons (ESPN).

The Cowboys are treating Pickens’ acquisition as a one-year gamble, as he enters the final year of his rookie contract with a cap hit of just $3.4 million in 2025. No extension talks are planned yet, allowing Dallas to evaluate his fit before committing long-term (ESPN). If Pickens thrives, the trade could go down as one of the savviest moves of the offseason, especially given the low draft capital cost.

A New Era for Cowboys’ Offense

Lamb’s welcoming attitude was evident even before his public comments, as he posted a meme of Ralph Wiggum from The Simpsons waving excitedly on social media shortly after the trade was announced (Daily Mail). The post hinted at a pre-existing bond between the two receivers, which could translate into seamless on-field chemistry.

The Cowboys’ offense, already bolstered by the Pickens trade and other moves like acquiring quarterback Joe Milton, linebacker Kenneth Murray, and cornerback Kaiir Elam, is shaping up to be a juggernaut. However, questions linger about the defense, which struggled in 2024, allowing 28 points per game in losses (NFL.com). For the Cowboys to capitalize on their offensive firepower and make a deep playoff run—potentially to their first NFC Championship since 1995—they’ll need to address these defensive shortcomings.

Looking Ahead

CeeDee Lamb’s bold claim that he and George Pickens are both “number one” receivers signals a new era for the Dallas Cowboys’ offense. With Dak Prescott at the helm, Jake Ferguson anchoring the tight end position, and a deep supporting cast, the Cowboys have the tools to dominate in 2025. Yet, as Lamb and Pickens prepare to take the NFL by storm, the team’s ultimate success will hinge on their ability to gel as a unit and overcome the challenges of a competitive NFC East and a demanding playoff landscape.

For now, Cowboys Nation is buzzing with anticipation. If Lamb and Pickens live up to their billing, Dallas could be on the verge of something special—a season that redefines the franchise and silences doubters once and for all.