The NFL doesn’t always give you a heads-up. Just ask Cam Heyward. When the longtime Steelers captain woke up to news of George Pickens getting traded to the Dallas Cowboys, his surprise was genuine. “I didn’t know anything about it,” Heyward admitted on the Not Just Football podcast. “Was I surprised? Yeah… Would I have liked to see George and DK [Metcalf] play together? Yeah, but hopefully there’s something in the works.” That sense of unfinished business lingers in Pittsburgh. But in Dallas? The work has already begun.

The Cowboys’ pursuit of a true WR2 had been brewing quietly for months. Whispers around The Star turned to talks, and after the draft, Dallas pulled the trigger, sending a third- and fifth-round pick to Pittsburgh in exchange for one of the league’s most physically gifted young receivers. Pickens wasn’t everyone’s ideal teammate in Pittsburgh. His on-field fire sometimes spilled over. Still, in Dallas, his upside outweighs the baggage, especially for a quarterback who badly needs another alpha to throw to.

Dak Prescott has seen enough tape to believe this can work. “I’m excited,” he said on The Ticket. “You turn on the tape and you see a guy that can catch the football. You put the football anywhere in his vicinity, very strong hands. More than a 50/50 catcher. He thinks it’s his ball when it’s in the air.” That’s not lip service. Prescott knows what he lost in 2024. A hamstring injury cut his season short after just nine games. He still threw for 23 touchdowns, but Dallas’ aerial attack too often felt one-dimensional, even with CeeDee Lamb’s brilliance.

Prescott didn’t mince words about the roster construction either. “I know we need some help at that position. I know CeeDee needs some help,” he said. With Pickens now flanking Lamb, that changes. The geometry of opposing defenses shifts. “It’s hard to double team two guys,” Prescott added. “Then when you got other guys—Ferg, Jalen Tolbert, Mingo—guys who have had reps and know how to get open… I think we’re putting together a nice group of weapons.”

Pickens isn’t caught up in the WR1 vs. WR2 debate. “You guys making a 1A and 1B and all this, honestly that’s the first time I’ve heard of any of that stuff,” he said earlier this month. “I just feel like we’re going to work off each other very well.” That humility, at least publicly, marks a change from the moody narrative that followed him out of Pittsburgh. And in Dallas, where Prescott is still the centerpiece of the franchise, a willing co-star could be exactly what’s required.

With Lamb drawing bracket coverage and Pickens stretching the field vertically, Prescott may finally have the flexibility to get the ball out quicker, throw with rhythm, and trust his playmakers in space. Something that he might need from week 1 as the Cowboys kick things off with a Prime Time game against the Eagles in Lincoln Financial Field.

Dak Prescott is ready for the Eagles challenge

The Cowboys aren’t easing into the 2025 season. At least, not after 7-10, and yet another ‘NO’ postseason football! But waiting for them on the other side will be the reigning Super Bowl champs, the Eagles. That’s who Dak Prescott gets to see in Week 1. Instead of ducking from the challenge, he’s leaning in. “Excited to start this thing off against the defending Super Bowl champions,” he said. No fluff, just football. Dak sounds like a guy who’s had this date circled before the ink dried.

Just like his teammate, Micah Parsons, who didn’t need a full quote. He let Instagram do the talking: “Yeah, yeah, let’s ball,” with a lion emoji and a puff of steam. Four words. That’s it. But anyone who’s followed Micah long enough knows what that means. It’s not shade, exactly—but it’s not subtle either. The Eagles may have just lifted a Lombardi, but Parsons? He’s already eyeing who’s holding it next.

Now, before you get too swept up in the hype, let’s rewind. Last year, Philly embarrassed Dallas. Twice. A combined 75–13 beatdown. So, yeah, this isn’t just about starting the season. It’s about payback. You feel that? It’s not just a rivalry anymore. It’s personal, especially for Dak, who’s 9–4 all-time against the Eagles. That number matters. So does the history.

And there’s a milestone in reach. If Prescott throws for 116 yards, he’ll pass Tony Romo for the second-most passing yards against Philly in franchise history. That’s not a small feat. Romo had 3,513 in 19 games. Dak’s done damage…and he’s not done yet.

So when September 4 rolls around, don’t expect a warm-up. Expect a war. The Cowboys and Eagles are opening the season with the type of game that could shape the entire NFC race. And Prescott? He’s already suited up in his mind.