As Dallas' title drought has dragged on, every season has arrived with a heightened sense of importance.
It's true entering 2025, too. The Cowboys fired Mike McCarthy and replaced him with his offensive coordinator, Brian Schottenheimer, granting the longtime assistant his first head coaching opportunity, which comes with plenty of pressure.
As they embark on a new season, they also have a bit of uncertainty to address regarding their quarterback, Dak Prescott, whose hamstring injury prematurely ended his 2024 campaign. But it appears good news is on the horizon.
"Yeah, I'll be full-go for camp," Prescott said Tuesday, via The Athletic's Jon Machota. "I'm healthy. I think soon here I will probably get an official sign off from doc, but I'm healthy."
Prescott's 2024 season was a roller coaster of sorts. He completed 64.7% of his passes for 1,978 yards and 11 touchdowns, but tossed eight interceptions, including six in his final four games. Dallas clearly lacked top-tier talent at receiver outside of CeeDee Lamb, too, adding to the difficulty of a season that became much more challenging following Prescott's injury.
Given time to recover and retool, the Cowboys feel they're in a better position now. There's a reason: They finally acquired another receiver -- former Steelers wideout George Pickens -- with a high ceiling to line up opposite Lamb.
It's up to Pickens and Prescott to familiarize themselves with each other prior to the 2025 season in an attempt to hit the ground running. Prescott believes there won't be much of an issue, even as he nears a full return.
"Not long," Prescott said when asked how quickly he might establish a rapport with Pickens. "As I've said, having dealt with trades before -- Amari Cooper, Brandin Cooks.
"Go turn on that guy's tape. He's getting separation. He's got separation even when he's not getting the ball at times, and when he doesn't have separation he's still making the catches. It's not going to be hard. For me, it's about getting the ball near that guy and he will be George Pickens. Go turn on the tape -- he's great at doing it."
Pickens built a reputation for himself as a highlight producer in Pittsburgh but also struggled to find consistency in the Steelers' limited air attack. Once they traded for DK Metcalf, Pickens became expendable. Dallas jumped at the opportunity, swinging a deal for Pickens ahead of a contract year for the Georgia product.
The potential for a career year certainly exists for Pickens in Dallas. But it's clear plenty is on the line for more than just Pickens this season.
Fortunately, it sounds as if he'll have his quarterback available for the full marathon awaiting them.
