Giants CB Greg Newsome makes his feelings clear about facing CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens

The rivalry between the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants may already have its first memorable quote of the 2026 NFL season.

Giants cornerback Greg Newsome II expressed plenty of respect for Dallas' dangerous wide receiver combination of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens ahead of their prime-time Week 1 matchup. However, Newsome made it clear he believes New York's secondary is capable of handling the challenge.

Newsome praised Pickens for his ability to make contested catches while pointing to Lamb's versatility as one of the qualities that makes him difficult to defend.

"Definitely great players, but I like our chances," Newsome said.

That final sentence could provide some additional motivation for a Cowboys offense expected to be among the NFL's most explosive units.

It also adds another chapter to Newsome's history with Pickens.

The two were involved in a confrontation during the 2024 season when Newsome played for the Cleveland Browns and Pickens was with the Pittsburgh Steelers . Their altercation occurred following Cleveland's Week 12 victory.

When Pickens was later asked about Newsome, the receiver dismissed the cornerback by saying he didn't know who he was. Newsome responded by questioning whether Pickens cared more about himself than his team.

Two years later, their paths have crossed again.

Pickens is now part of a Dallas receiving corps featuring Lamb, giving quarterback Dak Prescott two legitimate big-play weapons. Newsome, meanwhile, has joined a Giants defense looking to make major improvements after finishing 26th in points allowed last season.

New York enters a new era under head coach John Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson, and rebuilding the defense will be one of their biggest challenges.

Newsome certainly isn't lacking confidence.

His comments weren't necessarily disrespectful toward Dallas. In fact, he went out of his way to praise both receivers.

But rivalry games have a way of turning even the smallest comments into motivation.

When the Cowboys and Giants finally meet under the prime-time lights, Pickens may have another reason to remember exactly who Greg Newsome II is.