After putting together a dominant 2024 season and winning the Super Bowl, the Philadelphia Eagles enter the 2025 season as favorites to win the division yet again. Even so, the NFC East should be more competitive in 2025 than it was in 2024. The Dallas Cowboys should be in store for a bounce-back season after making significant additions this offseason.
Dallas added running backs Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders in free agency. Then, during the draft, they selected offensive guard Tyler Booker and defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku with their first two picks.
Following the draft, the Cowboys made a huge trade. On May 7, Dallas finalized a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers to acquire George Pickens. Pickens is expected to add another element to the Cowboys' offense alongside CeeDee Lamb.
Though Eagles fans don't seem to be worried about Pickens, Eagles players are giving him respect. On Monday afternoon, a video surfaced of A.J. Brown talking about Pickens going to Dallas. Brown said, "I like that I'm not gonna lie... We gonna have to worry about him for sure. I do like the trade, I like the competition. I like George Pickens, I like CeeDee Lamb, and that collab." Brown added that it will bring the best out of Philadelphia.
A.J. Brown Is Worried About the Duo of CeeDee Lamb & George Pickens
Although Brown's comments are the opposite of how many people assess this trade, his opinion is based on respect for the player. While Pickens may only have one 1,000-yard season in his career, the quarterbacks he played with in Pittsburgh were terrible. Brown likely recognizes this, and given they play the same position, he sees the talent the 24-year-old possesses and believes he can be more successful with a better quarterback.
Sure, Pickens has questions surrounding his attitude and maturity. But if you ask Brown fans, questioning your attitude only adds more fuel to make you better. That said, it's totally fair for Eagles fans to question if Pickens will actually help the Cowboys.
Thankfully, fans don't have to wait too long to see if their hypothesis is correct since the two teams are playing on opening night.