Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens has shown since CeeDee Lamb went down with an injury that he is capable of being featured as the No. 1 option in a potent offense, and the outstanding stretch of play has come at a perfect time for him.
Pickens, who was drafted in the second round by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022, is in the final season of his rookie contract. He was asked on Wednesday if he would be open to signing a long-term extension with the Cowboys, and he said he has enjoyed his time with the team thus far.
“I wouldn’t mind it. The guys in the locker room are super cool, the energy is great,” Pickens said, via Jon Machota of The Athletic. “I always want to showcase my talents.”
But if the Cowboys don’t turn things around amid what has been another disappointing season, Pickens might prefer to play elsewhere.
George Pickens wants to win
Pickens was also asked on Wednesday what it is that he will prioritize with his NFL future. He said winning is most important to him.
“Definitely winning. Just because that’s been my resume the whole time,” Pickens said. “I won in high school, I won at Georgia. Definitely winning, I always think about winning.”
The Cowboys have only two wins on the season and are coming off a disappointing defeat at the hands of the Carolina Panthers. Pickens had 168 yards receiving in that game, which his highest total with Dallas and the second-highest total of his career.
Still, it was not enough. The Cowboys have one of the worst defenses in the NFL and have allowed 30.7 points per game, which is hardly a surprise after they traded Micah Parsons. If that trend continues, they will likely miss the playoffs for a second consecutive year.
With Lamb making an average of $34M per year, the Cowboys probably cannot afford to keep Pickens, anyway. The best the 24-year-old can hope for is that his stock continues to rise as he heads for what should be a massive payday.
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