Cowboys reportedly 'have had internal discussions' regarding big George Pickens move

While the Dallas Cowboys only acquired wide receiver George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers back in May, some previously suggested Dallas could send Pickens to an advertised contender in return for a future draft asset before the Nov. 4 trade deadline. 

However, such takes quieted down after the Cowboys notched two wins over their past three games to improve to 3-3-1 on the season. For a piece published on Wednesday, ESPN's Dan Graziano noted that Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones and others within the club's front office are now considering what may have to be done to hold onto Pickens beyond the ongoing campaign. 

Cowboys seem willing to pay both George Pickens, CeeDee Lamb

"The Cowboys have had internal discussions about a possible extension for receiver George Pickens, to the point where they've been examining the rosters and cap situations of teams like Cincinnati, Miami and Philadelphia, who are all paying multiple high-end receivers," Graziano wrote.

Graziano also referenced how the Cowboys signed No. 1 receiver CeeDee Lamb to a four-year, $136M deal in August 2024. The following month, the Cowboys locked quarterback Dak Prescott down via a four-year extension reportedly worth $240M with $231M guaranteed.

Pickens reportedly caused numerous headaches for the Steelers from 2022-24, but has seemingly been on his best behavior as a member of the Cowboys. He also became a key figure in the Dallas offense as Lamb missed three games due to a high ankle sprain.

Per ESPN stats, Pickens and tight end Jake Ferguson began Wednesday sharing the team lead of six touchdown catches for the season. Pickens has thus far accumulated a team-high 607 receiving yards, and he's second on the club with 36 receptions. 

Will Cowboys sign George Pickens to an extension before the season ends? 

Pickens is in the final year of his current contract and may become more expensive for Dallas and other interested parties if he plays well through January. Nevertheless, it sounds like the Cowboys won't hand him a lucrative extension during their Week 10 bye. 

"I don't think anything gets done on this until after the season, but Dallas has been happy with Pickens since acquiring him in an offseason trade with Pittsburgh, and it is at least considering what it would look like to keep Dak Prescott's wide receiver tandem together," Graziano added. 

For now, Pickens needs to show he's willing to share targets with his highly paid teammate and that he can remain a key contributor with Lamb back in the lineup. Pickens will look to do just that when Dallas plays at the Denver Broncos (5-2) this coming Sunday. As of Wednesday morning, ESPN BET had the Cowboys as 3.5-point road underdogs for that matchup.