Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3). Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

Dallas Cowboys should be patient before making George Pickens decision

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Oct 15, 2025 7:59 AM ET

Through the first six weeks of the season, wide receiver George Pickens looks like the Dallas Cowboys' best offseason addition.

Pickens — whom the Pittsburgh Steelers traded to Dallas in May — has played like a No. 1 WR since CeeDee Lamb suffered an ankle injury in a Week 3 loss to the Chicago Bears. In three games without Lamb, the 2022 second-round pick has 19 receptions for 359 yards and four touchdown catches (via Pro Football Focus). Through six games, he ranks third in the league in receiving yards (525) and is tied for first in touchdown catches (six).

Pickens — who's in the last year of his rookie contract — may be playing himself into an extension. However, will the Cowboys give him one this offseason?

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones discusses plans for George Pickens

During a Tuesday interview with KRLD-FM in Dallas, Jones didn't commit to giving the 24-year-old WR an extension.

George Pickens in games without CeeDee Lamb

⭐ 19 catches
⭐ 359 yards
⭐ 4 TDs
⭐ 154.6 rating when targeted pic.twitter.com/7yQEtww6FA
— PFF (@PFF) October 12, 2025

Jerry Jones heaped praise on George Pickens when asked about potentially opening contract talks with the WR: "We'll look carefully at what we do with George. I can't tell you how proud I am for George. As exciting as he's been on the field for us, he's been that kind of teammate" pic.twitter.com/64A2ieNTjB
— 105.3 The FAN (@1053thefan) October 14, 2025

"We'll look carefully at what we do with George," Jones said. "I can't tell you how proud I am for George. As exciting as he's been on the field for us, he's been that kind of teammate."

The Cowboys waiting to extend Pickens is wise. While he hasn't been a trouble-maker for Dallas thus far, he had maturity concerns throughout his three-year tenure in Pittsburgh. This included getting into a scuffle after a loss to the Cleveland Browns last season.

To his credit, though, Pickens has been growing up this season. After recording a season-high 168 yards receiving in a Week 6 loss to the Carolina Panthers, he told Patrik Walker of the team website, "I definitely want to get the dub first — over anything."

Just as crucial for the Cowboys is their financial situation. Spotrac estimates Pickens' market value is a five-year deal worth $29.1M annually, 10th at his position. Dallas is projected to have only $2.86M in cap space this offseason.

Still, if Pickens keeps rolling, the Cowboys should find a way to extend him. Don't be surprised if he does, as Jones' comment gives the WR a carrot.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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