Back in 2022, during an interview on Undisputed, Michael Irvin didn’t hold back when praising CeeDee Lamb. He called him “the alpha” and doubled down that Lamb had the juice to be a true No. 1 in Dallas. That confidence hasn’t wavered—if anything, it’s only grown louder since George Pickens arrived in the building. But Irvin doesn’t throw praise around lightly, especially when the Cowboys make risky moves. And as Pickens’ controversial exit from Pittsburgh sparked debate around the league, many wondered what “The Playmaker” really thought. Turns out, he’s made his verdict crystal clear.

Ever since the Cowboys traded for George Pickens, fans have either ripped Mike Tomlin for letting him go or applauded Jerry Jones for making the move. But no opinion hits quite like Michael Irvin’s. The Hall of Fame receiver didn’t mince words when asked about Dallas’ bold move, and his verdict came with the kind of energy only he can bring. In a now-viral FS1 “Speak” segment—playfully reenacted by a kid lip-syncing Irvin’s words—Irvin said, “I would not have any glory stealing here today. Just stop me with that. Don’t go away. Ain’t got this. Don’t do that. We ain’t talking about this. We’re talking about what we’ve got in the office right now. Right now, well, who got better?”

And he wasn’t done. “The Dallas Cowboys,” Irvin continued, “you got to shake your head this kind of way. If you ask about the other team, y’all talking about you got to shake your head like that and do that. We don’t know that. We do know where the Cowboys were. I’m just saying.”

Pickens may be a lightning rod for drama, but Irvin—like the Cowboys front office—is betting that his upside outweighs the baggage. The wide receiver’s fallout with the Steelers was messy, to say the least. Reports from Pittsburgh suggest the decision was about more than stats. Multiple infractions—including tardiness, on-field behavioral issues, NFL rule violations, and a reputation for taunting—made Pickens a liability in Tomlin’s eyes.

A December 2024 game against the Bengals was reportedly the final straw, after his post-touchdown taunt earned a league fine and internal criticism. Still, Dallas believes in the upside. And based on Pickens’ 2024 numbers, they may be right to roll the dice.

George Pickens + CeeDee Lamb = Nightmare fuel for defenses

Stephen Jones has already gone on record: “Everybody says we’re looking for a 2. I mean, George can be a 1.” That’s not empty praise. In 14 games last season, Pickens logged 59 receptions for 900 yards and 15.3 yards per catch—despite catching passes from Justin Fields and Russell Wilson in a clunky, uncertain offense. His contested catches and body control still rank among the best in the NFL. Now pair that with CeeDee Lamb.

Lamb caught 101 passes for 1,194 yards and 6 touchdowns last season, ranking 7th in total receptions despite defenses keying in on him every week. His chemistry with Dak Prescott was undeniable, even during Dallas’ rollercoaster campaign that ended short of expectations. If Pickens clicks in Dallas—and that’s the big if—then defensive coordinators are in for a long season.

The Cowboys are all-in. With 2025 being a make-or-break season for Prescott under newly appointed ‘player-friendly’ HC Brian Schottenheimer. Entering the final year of his contract, the George Pickens trade feels like a swing for the fences. It could implode. Or it could turn Dallas into the most dangerous offense in the NFC.

For now, Michael Irvin is sold. The Cowboys may have taken on risk, but Irvin’s message is clear: They got better. And with a potential WR1A/WR1B tandem forming between Lamb and Pickens, 2025 might finally be the year Dallas backs up the hype.