Here’s a bold statement: George Pickens is not just a rising star in the NFL—he’s becoming the Cowboys’ secret weapon, and his future in Dallas is sparking some of the most intriguing conversations in football right now. But here’s where it gets controversial: With Pickens dominating the field and his contract expiring soon, should the Cowboys lock him down long-term, or is he just biding his time before testing the market? Let’s dive in.
When the Cowboys acquired George Pickens in the offseason, the goal was clear: elevate their passing game and create more opportunities for CeeDee Lamb. Fast forward to now, and Pickens has not only met but exceeded expectations. Through the first six games, he leads the NFL with six receiving touchdowns and ranks third in receiving yards with 525. Even in Lamb’s absence, Pickens has kept the Cowboys’ offense explosive, proving he’s more than just a complementary piece—he’s a game-changer. And this is the part most people miss: His performance isn’t just about stats; it’s about the energy and leadership he brings to the locker room.
Now, the big question looms: Will Pickens stay in Dallas long-term? His rookie contract ends this season, making him an unrestricted free agent. When asked about staying with the Cowboys, Pickens responded, ‘I wouldn’t mind it. The guys in the locker room are super cool, the energy’s great, but I always want to showcase my talents.’ It’s a diplomatic answer that leaves room for interpretation—is he hinting at loyalty, or is he keeping his options open? Here’s the kicker: Pickens hasn’t had recent contract talks with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who has been openly praising Pickens’ on-field performance while acknowledging the financial implications of retaining him.
Jones recently stated, ‘We’ll weigh that. We knew full well that if things went as planned, we’d need to think about having cap space for a second receiver at that level.’ This aligns with the Cowboys’ strategy post-Micah Parsons trade, which aimed to create flexibility to retain or add key players. Pickens fits that mold perfectly, but there’s a catch: His value is skyrocketing with every game, and he’s in no rush to sign a deal. For now, his focus is on the remaining 11 games and making a playoff push. ‘I’m definitely in the middle of the season, so I’m not fully thinking about it,’ Pickens said. ‘I just want to keep going and see how far we can get.’
When the time for negotiations does come, what will matter most to Pickens? His answer is straightforward: ‘Definitely winning. That’s been my resume the whole time. I won in high school, I won at Georgia, so that’s probably, definitely, winning. And I always think about winning.’ For a player who prioritizes success above all else, the Cowboys’ ability to contend for a championship could be the deciding factor in his decision.
Here’s the controversial question for you: Is George Pickens worth the long-term investment, or should the Cowboys let him test the market and risk losing him? And if you were Pickens, would you stay in Dallas or explore other opportunities? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over. For now, both Pickens and the Cowboys are focused on bouncing back from their Week 6 loss to the Panthers, starting with Sunday’s game against the Washington Commanders. One thing’s for sure: Pickens’ future will be one of the most watched storylines of the season.
