Cowboys coach to talk to George Pickens after inappropriate post following former star’s harsh comments

Brian Schottenheimer is navigating some of the challenges that Mike Tomlin faced with George Pickens during their time in Pittsburgh.

On Friday, the Cowboys coach stated he intends to talk to Pickens after the wide receiver posted an inappropriate message criticizing former Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman, which was later removed following Sherman’s critique of Pickens’ performance in a recent game.

Sherman criticized Pickens for seeming “disinterested” during the Cowboys’ 44-30 loss to the Lions. In that game, despite losing star receiver CeeDee Lamb to a concussion, Pickens only managed five catches for 37 yards—an output that may jeopardize their playoff hopes.

“I know what was published,” Schottenheimer commented. “I haven’t spoken to him yet. I understand it’s been deleted, but I will reach out and see how he’s doing. This kind of thing is part of our job sometimes.”

In his first season with the Cowboys, Pickens has been thriving—at least until Thursday’s game. His earlier tenure was marked by clashes with Tomlin, who had urged him to improve.

Pickens’ attitude during the game raised eyebrows. There were snippets where he appeared to slow down on routes, including one that ended in an interception.

“The real issue is George Pickens,” Sherman said during the postgame. He remarked that Pickens seemed uninterested, especially late in the matchup. “To be a top receiver, you can’t just vanish in crucial moments,” Sherman emphasized, adding that such performances could make the team reconsider a hefty contract for him this offseason.

Nonetheless, the Cowboys are reportedly not looking to let Pickens go.

Despite Sherman’s harsh words, Schottenheimer defended Pickens’ energy, attributing his lack of production partly to the Lions’ defensive strategies.

Pickens, known for having his best season statistically, with 1,179 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, responded to the criticism in a scathing social media post that he later deleted. He seemed to express frustration that former players like Sherman wouldn’t understand the complexities involved.

Schottenheimer reflected on the overall performance and mentioned the need for improvement across the board. He acknowledged, however, that Pickens has shown his capabilities as an elite player throughout the season.