Needless to say, Pickens will be one of the first ones to admit he’d want to have this game back, even though he knows that’s not possible. Still, after the Giants defeated the Cowboys by a score of 28-20, securing New York’s first Week 1 win at home since 2010, Bryant made something clear about Pickens’ night in the Meadowlands.

“I really didn’t like what I saw from the defense. They played physically, but not intelligently. The offense seemed ready but wasn’t executing. [Pickens] had some uncharacteristic moments… and I believe those passes would’ve been completed on any other day. An ugly ugly night for the Cowboys,” Bryant wrote on his X account.

Pickens’ rough start to the season

Whether his pursuit of a personal vendetta against Newsome played a role or not, Pickens didn’t look like himself on Sunday night at MetLife Stadium. He did draw some flags for defensive pass interference, but that wasn’t enough.

Pickens was targeted six times but only managed to come down with three catches for 28 yards. The Cowboys’ offense as a whole looked a gear off. CeeDee Lamb led the team in receptions and yards (five and 44, respectively), but that’s still far off from the standard set by Dallas’ offensive firepower.

What’s next for Pickens and Cowboys?

After such a deflating performance in Week 1, Pickens and the Cowboys must turn the page immediately. That’s the silver lining at the end of the day: It’s only Week 1.

Dallas will return home to host another NFC East rival, the Washington Commanders, who also suffered a divisional loss in Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Only a Week 2 matchup, there will be an elimination-game feeling to that duel inside AT&T Stadium, as the loser would fall to an 0-2 record not only on the NFL season but in the division, which might as well be a kiss of death less than a month into the year. Urgency will meet desperation next Sunday in Arlington, Texas.

While Cowboys owner Jerry Jones showed respect for Harbaugh, Pickens and the players on both sides keep going after each other. After the Giants decided on their cornerback game plan for Pickens and CeeDee Lamb, the first move was made in the chess board. Shortly after, Pickens got echo of Newsome calling the Giants’ cornerback room “the best in the NFL,” and reacted to the bold statement with a warning ahead of Sunday night’s showdown in the Meadowlands.

“That’s definitely how he should feel. Now, how we should feel, I’d definitely say a completely different story. That’s cool that he thinks that,” Pickens said, via The Athletic’s Jon Machota, warning Newsome and the Giants not to lie to themselves. “He should definitely feel like that, but I feel like we’re definitely not thinking the same thing.”

Newsome and Pickens go at it

Even though Newsome downplayed the idea of unfinished business with Pickens, it’s been made clear time and again that there is no love lost between the two. The fact that Pickens took notice of Newsome’s recent statements and one-upped his divisional rival is further proof.

This isn’t their first rodeo. Pickens and Newsome shared a division in the NFL before, yet it was anything but friendly. As they meet again, the two neighbors prove old habits die hard and that neighbors are in no way synonymous with allies.

Giants vs Cowboys: Must-see TV

Both Pickens and Newsome have made loud statements. As the saying goes, they must walk the talk now. Thus, the season-opening divisional showdown set to take place at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 13 has now another layer added to it.

Indeed, watching Jaxson Dart, Odell Beckham Jr., and the revamped Giants’ offense take on Caleb Downs and the Cowboys‘ defense is exciting as well, but the matchup between Pickens and Dallas’ offense against Newsome II and New York’s defense simply has enough vitriol to make fans forget about the rest of the stars on the field.

As if an NFC East showdown between the Cowboys and Giants couldn’t have even higher stakes, the back-and-forth verbal battle between the vocal wideout and cornerback on each team just provided even more bad blood. Soon, their words won’t be enough, and it will all be decided on the gridiron, on a turf field that is a source of debate in its own right. There may be no better stage for the first Sunday night game of the season to take place.

Even though Greg Newsome II downplayed the idea of unfinished business with Pickens (whom he had a scuffle with back in 2024), all eyes are fixed on that probable cornerback-wideout matchup. Based on the Giants’ unofficial depth chart at cornerback, fans can expect Newsome to be assigned to Pickens, but anything can happen.

“The Giants unofficial Week 1 depth chart lists Donte Banks alongside Greg Newsome as the starting cornerbacks,” Jordan Raanan of ESPN reported on X. “Banks ahead of Paulson Adebo.”

Potential NY Giants defensive plans

With the release of their unofficial depth chart, the Giants also confirmed Nabers’ role during Week 1’s matchup against the Cowboys. He will be the team’s No. 1 wide receiver. However, the G-Men declaring Newsome and Banks CB1 and CB2, respectively, doesn’t completely reveal how the defense will look on Sunday night.

John Harbaugh and Dennard Wilson have a lot to think about, especially as their first test will be against the Cowboys‘ two-headed monster in Lamb and Pickens. New York could line up Newsome across from Lamb for the majority of the plays if they wish to set up a best-on-best competition outside the numbers. However, another option is to play Newsome on Pickens, leaving Banks responsible for Lamb while making sure the fourth-year corner has some help over the top.

It could change and may even be subject to modifications throughout the game based on what Harbaugh is seeing and what Lamb and Pickens are up to on Sunday night. Clearly, the Giants have their hands full. Even though they addressed it throughout the offseason, the perimeter defense remains the biggest question mark in East Rutherford. Needless to say, it will face a true trial by fire in Week 1.

NY Giants need pass-rush to be a factor

Most likely, the Giants will resort to their prolific pass rushers to disrupt the Cowboys’ rhythm. Learning about the Cowboys’ negative update on guard Tyler Smith might be an encouraging sign for the G-Men’s defenders. However, it will also be New York’s first outing without Dexter Lawrence, and it might show if the team struggles to contain the running game, which is always a key ingredient in the NFL.

Games are won and lost in the trenches, and the Giants must learn to live without their havoc-wreaker in the interior of the defensive line. There’s a lot of change going around the Meadowlands, but at the end of the day, it’s the same old goal: defeating the despised foes from Arlington.

Neutralizing Lamb and Pickens will definitely go a long way toward reaching that goal, so nailing their game plan is paramount. Of course, once kickoff is underway, players make plays, and whiteboard drawings can be deemed irrelevant.

“I’m excited what he has to do with us this year and in coming years, and I emphasize that, in coming years,” Jones revealed via The Athletic‘s Jon Machota. That said, the Cowboys owner made it clear that Pickens will have to continue performing at the highest level: “The better he plays, the better it is for him.”

The start of the 2026 NFL season will put Pickens head-to-head against Greg Newsome in a highly anticipated Sunday Night Football matchup between the Cowboys and the New York Giants. The wide receiver will face a major test to prove that he can remain with the franchise for many years to come.

What is Pickens’ contract situation?

Pickens is locked into playing the 2026 NFL season on a one-year, $27.3 million franchise tag with the Cowboys. Since the July 15 deadline passed without a multi-year extension being locked down, Dallas legally can’t offer him a long-term deal until after the regular-season finale in January 2027.

Pickens is coming off a monster 2025 campaign where he dropped 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, but with CeeDee Lamb already on a massive contract, the Cowboys‘ front office has openly admitted that fitting both wideouts under the cap long-term is going to be a massive financial riddle to solve.

Jones remains positive about Von Miller’s arrival

Starting a new NFL season requires not only talent, but also experienced players who can help navigate the challenges that come along the way. The Cowboys managed to acquire the services of Von Miller, and Jerry Jones himself is confident that the veteran pass rusher will put up very good numbers this season.

“I’m excited about what he can do, and I think he’ll really be in a position to really have some serious numbers out there. I’m glad we got him,” Jones firmly stated to the press.

Von Miller has already made it clear that he plans to help the Cowboys wherever he is needed, bringing the kind of veteran presence that could prove highly valuable to the team. It remains to be seen what role the coaching staff ultimately gives him once the ball gets rolling.

“I wouldn’t say that,” Newsome said, via Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News. “I would just say every receiver I go against there’s technically unfinished business. My job is to shut them out no matter what. Obviously I’ve had a lot of battles with him, so it’s gonna be a little more special. But my job is to shut them out.”

Newsome has already taunted both CeeDee Lamb and Pickens, heating things up ahead of what promises to be an intense Sunday Night Football matchup between the G-Men and America’s Team. Which of these two teams will ultimately start the season with a winning record?

Watch out for the Cowboys’ offense

Newsome’s arrival in East Rutherford was primarily aimed at adding versatility and intensity to the Giants’ secondary. That said, he will face a challenging debut at MetLife Stadium against an opponent that will leave it all on the gridiron.

Dak Prescott had a strong 2025 season, particularly elevating the Cowboys’ passing attack with the help of both CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. Ryan Flournoy is the team’s third option at wide receiver, and Brian Schottenheimer’s squad will look to get the new campaign off on the right foot.

Newsome will be in good company

While Greg Newsome has significantly strengthened the Giants’ defense, he is not the only important name tasked with stopping opposing offenses. Former New Orleans Saints Paulson Adebo will be responsible for covering the left side of the secondary.

Additionally, John Harbaugh has two more options on the depth chart if needed. The first is rookie Colton Hood, while Deonte Banks emerges as another option on the opposite side.

“Definitely great players, but I like our chances,” Newsome said, via NFL.com, about facing Lamb and Pickens in Week 1. For Newsome, it will also be his debut in a Giants uniform, and he will have a litmus test right out of the gate, facing divisional rivals with arguably one of the best wide receiver duos in the league.

Although it will be his first game as a Giant at MetLife Stadium, Newsome has faced both Pickens and Lamb before. The former, however, rings a louder bell than the latter, as Newsome and Pickens have faced off as divisional foes before. It was everything one could expect, and more. As they meet again, Newsome embraced his Week 1 matchup against Pickens.

Newsome vs Pickens

Back in the 2024 NFL season, Newsome, then with the Cleveland Browns, and Pickens, then on the Pittsburgh Steelers, met in a Week 12 win for the Dawgs. On the final play, the two got tangled up in a heated scuffle. On a Hail Mary attempt by the Steelers, the No. 1 wideout and No. 1 cornerback forgot about the pigskin, instead holding on to each other and running out of the end zone while still throwing hands at one another.

It was hard to see because of the pouring snowstorm falling down in The Land, but the vitriol between the two was clear to see. After the incident, Pickens fired at Newsome. “I don’t even know who that is,” Pickens said when asked about facing Newsome again ahead of the Browns-Steelers rematch later in 2024. Newsome had words for Pickens, too.

“I don’t take it as disrespectful because I don’t care about the dude at all,” Newsome said back then about Pickens. “Obviously, he’s the guy that cares more so about himself, and you could see that in the penalties that he causes. But me, I’m a professional so I would never let somebody make me do something to hurt my football team.”

Who will Newsome be assigned to?

Two years have passed since the last time Newsome and Pickens met on the gridiron. But fans around the NFL can get the feeling there is no lost love between the two.

Knowing how high emotions will be running, it remains to be seen if John Harbaugh and Dennard Wilson decide to line up Newsome across from Pickens, or if they assign him to Lamb.

With the Cowboys, they boast a one-two punch at wide receiver that basically makes opponents pick their poison, and they will try to make an example out of the revamped organization in the Big Apple. Newsome has poked the bear, the ball is in the Cowboys’ court now, but the final say will be in Week 1’s Sunday Night Football game.

That decision, however, only postponed the bigger question. Pickens is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2026 season, meaning the Cowboys will have to decide whether they can afford to give him the massive contract he could command if he produces another Pro Bowl-caliber season. Lamb is already one of the NFL’s highest-paid receivers after signing a four-year, $136 million extension in 2024, while Dak Prescott remains one of the league’s highest-paid quarterbacks.

Stephen Jones now appears to be acknowledging just how difficult that financial equation could become. Speaking on the DLLS Cowboys podcast, the Cowboys executive vice president explained that Dallas has found a way to keep both receivers for 2026, but another major season from both players could force the organization into a much more complicated decision next offseason. The Cowboys may have to choose between maintaining their elite receiving duo and preserving depth elsewhere on the roster.

Will Cowboys give George Pickens a contract extension?

The Cowboys have already made their short-term decision on George Pickens, but Jones’ latest comments provide a much clearer picture of what could happen after the 2026 season. If Pickens and Lamb both deliver huge seasons, their market values could make it extremely difficult for Dallas to keep both players without making significant sacrifices elsewhere.

“You look at the situation that we have with George Pickens going alongside CeeDee. I don’t know of any teams that really can pay two top receivers top of the market. So, that’s going to be a really difficult situation as we move forward. We’ve managed to figure out how we can do it for this year. Certainly, if everything works out the way we think it is, in which CeeDee and George both have huge years again, then it’ll be a bigger challenge next year.”

Jones has a point when looking at the economics of the Cowboys’ roster. Lamb’s contract averages $34 million per season, and Pickens could demand a similar figure if he follows up his breakout 2025 campaign with another elite year. Add Prescott’s massive quarterback contract to the equation, and Dallas could have an enormous amount of money committed to just three offensive stars.

There is, however, evidence that it can be done. The Cincinnati Bengals have managed to keep Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins together, showing that teams can build around a highly paid quarterback and two elite receivers. The bigger question is what that approach does to the rest of the roster. For Dallas, keeping Lamb and Pickens could mean sacrificing depth at other positions, particularly if both receivers eventually demand contracts at the top of the market.

Pickens now has a major opportunity to make the Cowboys’ decision even harder. After recording 93 receptions, 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns in his first season with Dallas, another dominant campaign could dramatically increase his leverage. If that happens, Stephen Jones’ warning could become one of the most important storylines surrounding the Cowboys after the 2026 season: Dallas may have to decide whether paying two elite receivers is worth the cost of weakening the roster around them.

The decision became even more surprising weeks later when the Steelers acquired DK Metcalf and gave the veteran receiver the lucrative contract extension that Pickens had been seeking. In other words, Pittsburgh ultimately invested heavily in another wide receiver while deciding that Pickens was not the right player to build around long term.

Now, former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has finally provided more insight into why the organization approved the trade. During an interview with Rich Eisen, Tomlin explained that the decision was not simply about what Pickens could do on the field, but whether he had developed in the other areas Pittsburgh expected from a player who would eventually receive a major second contract.

Why did the Steelers trade George Pickens?

Mike Tomlin explained that the Steelers’ philosophy is to draft talented young players, develop them and eventually reward them with second contracts if they fit the organization’s long-term plans. In Pickens’ case, however, Tomlin acknowledged that the process did not reach that point, while making it clear that the receiver’s talent was never necessarily the issue.

“I think you draft young players that are talented. You help them develop and, if they’re developing in the right ways, if they fit your long-range plans, then you do second contract business with them. It didn’t happen for us with George, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that he’s not gonna be a spectacular player.“

Tomlin then explained that factors away from pure production played an important role in Pittsburgh’s decision. According to the former Steelers coach, the organization wanted more from a potential high-dollar player in terms of leadership, intangibles and responsibilities within the locker room, and it ultimately believed Metcalf was a better fit in those areas.

“For us, I just thought, it’s not only about play. It’s development in other areas. Intangible areas. I think when you’re a high-dollar, second-contract guy, I think there’s some leadership responsibilities and things of that nature. I just don’t feel like that was in his natural wheelhouse. We felt better about DK’s abilities in those areas.”

That explanation sheds new light on one of the most controversial moves of the Steelers’ recent offseason. Pittsburgh did not necessarily believe Pickens lacked the ability to become a spectacular player; instead, the organization questioned whether he possessed the leadership and intangible qualities it wanted from a player it was prepared to make a major financial commitment to. The Steelers ultimately chose to bet on Metcalf, while Pickens received his opportunity to continue his career in Dallas.

During a press conference, Newsome was asked about his former AFC North foe, George Pickens. Newsome was a part of the Cleveland Browns while Pickens played for the Steelers. Now, Newsome reps the G-Men while Pickens has a lone-star helmet on him.

Newsome welcomed the matchup. “I’m super excited for the challenge, I’ll be ready”, he said. The CB also stated he believes he is one of the best in his position and he has to prove it week in and week out.

Pickens is a tough WR to guard

Given that Pickens has elite physical traits and circus-catch ability, even if he is guarded properly, he can still make incredible plays. At 6’3″ with long arms, he can reel in passes that seem completely uncatchable, making him a nightmare in 50/50 jump-ball situations. He had 93 catches for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns for the Cowboys last season.

In five head-to-head games, Pickens has 18 catches for 324 yards and two touchdowns. That is around 64.8 yards per game. However, those stats are against Newsome teams, not specific snaps against the cornerback.

There’s bad blood between Newsome and Pickens

Newsome was also asked if he and Pickens would exchange Christmas cards. He said “Nah, wouldn’t do that.” And is clear why. Back in 2024, Pickens and Newsome had a physical altercation.

Pickens grabbed Newsome by the helmet and forcefully dragged him out of bounds toward the front row of the stands. As the clock hit zero, Newsome and Pickens were swinging at each other as security and officials tried to separate them. Hence, we’re in for an explosive treat in Week 1 with the Giants facing the Cowboys.

Dallas is taking a risk by allowing Pickens to take the field on a one-year deal. If the wide receiver puts up another productive season, the value of his next contract will be much higher. Apparently, Jones is fine with that scenario and even admitted as much.

“He can come out here and have the year that he’s talented enough and mentally prepared to have, and that contract would be a lot bigger than it would’ve been,” Jones said Friday on Up & Adams. Wide receivers have been securing massive paydays in recent years, and Dallas has an in-house example after giving CeeDee Lamb $136 million over four years.

Prescott recognizes Pickens’ talent

Even without playoff success, Prescott has played great football in the regular season throughout his career. To maintain that momentum in the coming years, he has publicly urged Jones to lock up Pickens on a long-term deal.

Also speaking on Up & Adams with Kay Adams, Prescott championed his star target: “You know George, you know he loves football. And at the end of the day, it’s not for the money. However, he should get every dollar that he deserves because he’s a hell of a player, and we should probably give it to him sooner than later because it’s only gonna go up.”

To achieve success, the Cowboys will need to maintain their historical dominance within the division, a feat Prescott has masterfully accomplished throughout his career, though he will also need Pickens’ support.

Over his 10 seasons under center, the veteran signal-caller boasts an incredible NFC East record: going 10-5 against the Philadelphia Eagles, 13-2 against the Washington Commanders, and a staggering 14-3 against the New York Giants.

Pickens’ path to Arlington

Pickens originally arrived in Arlington via a trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick (while Dallas also netted a 2027 sixth-round pick).

He immediately put together a career-best 2025 campaign, hauling in 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and 9 touchdowns. Despite those elite numbers, the front office opted to place him on the $27.3 million franchise tag for the 2026 NFL season.

The Cowboys have three preseason games coming up against the Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals, and New Orleans Saints before opening the 2026 regular season in a Sunday Night Football clash against the rival New York Giants on Sept. 13.

“I’m sure we can make a way,” Lamb said via Yahoo Sports. “I know it’s going to be a little crazy, but I know we can make a way for this one. “Listen, this is my advocation, @ Jerry, can you please figure out a way? Let’s figure it out. I don’t care what needs to happen. Let’s figure it out and it’s going to get you a couple more championships.”

Many times, people believe that having several stars on a roster could hurt the chemistry inside the locker room. Lamb, an experienced player, prefers to put individual ego aside in order to strengthen the team as a whole.

“I don’t have no ego here, I want to win,” the experienced wide receiver said. “I don’t understand the narrative or X, Y, Z, but it is what it is.” Will Jones finally satisfy Lamb’s desire to continue playing alongside Pickens for a longer time with the Cowboys?

What is Pickens’ contract situation?

George Pickens enters the 2026 season playing under a fully guaranteed, one-year $27.3 million franchise tag after the Dallas Cowboys and his representation failed to reach a multi-year extension prior to the July 15 deadline. Under league rules, contract negotiations cannot resume until after Dallas concludes its regular season in January 2027.

Coming off a career-best 2025 campaign where he tallied 93 receptions for 1,429 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns alongside CeeDee Lamb, Pickens can secure a lucrative long-term future in Dallas by maintaining elite WR1/WR2 productivity while continuing to display total maturity within Brian Schottenheimer’s team.

If he sustains this level of play without off-field distractions in 2026, he will either force Dallas to hand him a top-tier multi-year deal in 2027 or potentially utilize a second franchise tag estimated at $32.8 million.

Lamb is having a strong training camp

The Cowboys’ 2026 training camp is producing good results, especially on offense. Lamb is building a strong connection with Dak Prescott, something that has fans excited ahead of their Week 1 debut against the New York Giants.

“It’s demoralizing for the defense,” he said. “They were mad, hyped and all that. You know how defensive guys be. But as for us man, we just got to connect, fight through the fire and air it out.”