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 now the hottest topic in Texas. 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 a temporary spark in their offense? Let’s dive in.
When the Cowboys acquired George Pickens in the offseason, the plan was clear: elevate their passing game, create more opportunities for CeeDee Lamb, and give Dak Prescott a dynamic duo to work with. Fast forward to now, and Pickens has not just met expectations—he’s shattered them. Through the first six games, he leads the NFL with six receiving touchdowns and ranks third in receiving yards with 525. And this is the part most people miss: even in Lamb’s absence, Pickens has kept the Cowboys’ offense explosive, proving he’s more than just a complementary piece.
Now, the big question looms: will Pickens stay in Dallas beyond this season? He’s in the final year of his rookie contract and set to become an unrestricted free agent. While both sides agreed to reassess after the trade, Pickens’ stellar performance has forced the conversation earlier than expected. When asked about staying long-term, Pickens replied, ‘I wouldn’t mind it. The locker room vibe is amazing, and I love showcasing my talent here.’ But don’t be fooled—this isn’t just about comfort. Pickens is a competitor, and his focus remains on winning, a trait he’s carried from his championship days in high school and at Georgia.
Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones hasn’t been shy about his admiration for Pickens, both on and off the field. ‘We’ll weigh that,’ Jones said when asked about extending Pickens. ‘We knew if he performed like this, we’d need to create cap space for a second top-tier receiver.’ Here’s the kicker: the Cowboys’ recent trades, including the Micah Parsons deal, were partly about freeing up cap space for exactly this scenario. But with Pickens’ value skyrocketing, will the Cowboys act fast enough, or will they risk losing him to a bidding war?
Pickens, however, isn’t in a rush. His performance is only increasing his market value, and he’s keeping his eyes on the prize—the remaining 11 games and a potential playoff run. ‘I’m focused on the season,’ he said. ‘I’m not fully thinking about contracts yet. I just want to see how far we can go.’
Here’s the controversial question: Is Pickens worth a massive extension, or should the Cowboys play it safe and see if his success is sustainable? And if they don’t act soon, could another team swoop in and steal him away? One thing’s for sure: Pickens’ priority is winning, and if the Cowboys can’t guarantee that, his future in Dallas might be shorter than fans hope.
For now, both Pickens and the Cowboys are focused on bouncing back from their Week 6 loss to the Panthers. Their next chance comes Sunday against the Washington Commanders. But make no mistake—the clock is ticking on Pickens’ contract, and the decision the Cowboys make could define their offense for years to come. What do you think? Should the Cowboys extend Pickens now, or wait and see? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
