George Pickens and the Dallas Cowboys reportedly haven't engaged in contract talks since they joined forces last May. Meanwhile, the burgeoning wide receiver's price tag keeps going up as he stacks one masterful performance after another.
Pickens has quickly established himself as a mainstay of the Cowboys' high-powered offense upon arriving on an expiring deal. He's made a crystal-clear case to be in Dallas beyond 2025, which both sides have expressed interest in making happen. However, a lack of negotiations has naturally raised concerns among fans, though Jerry Jones doesn't sound too worried.
Jones was fired up when addressing the media after Dallas' thrilling 24-21 comeback victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. The Cowboys' owner/general manager spent a considerable amount of time talking about Pickens, all but saying their looming negotiations will resolve themselves in due course.
Jerry Jones delivers much-needed message to Cowboys fans on George Pickens' contract situation
"George [Pickens] has been such an integral part of our story," Jones told reporters in the Cowboys' locker room following the win against Philadelphia. "He has his story, [and] to a degree, that's our story. I'm so proud for him; everybody on this team is."
"It's something when you've got [CeeDee Lamb] and Pickens," Jones added, highlighting his infatuation with the dynamic receiving duo he put together. Dallas' top decision-maker knows he has a great thing going and is seemingly motivated to ensure they continue thriving in tandem for the foreseeable future.
"Of course. Of course, we are proud to have him," when asked about Pickens being on the Cowboys' roster in 2026. "I don't even want to play games with him; we'd love to have him on the team. ... we sure like the way the combination [with Lamb] is letting us execute on offense."
Technically speaking, nothing stands in the way of Dallas inking Pickens to a pact right now. Obviously, Jones is well aware of this, though he evidently poked fun at himself regarding previous well-chronicled debacles, which Cowboys supporters knows all too well.
Rest assured, Cowboys Nation. Just because there's no traction now doesn't mean there won't be when the time comes, as Jones alluded to. While Pickens has voiced a desire to remain in Dallas long term, he'd be doing himself a disservice by re-signing midseason.
Through Week 12, Pickens ranks second in the NFL in receiving yards (1,054) and third in touchdown catches (eight). He has earned the right to hit the open market and spark a bidding war in free agency.