After George Pickens was traded from the Steelers to the Cowboys, no extension was worked out. The pending free agent wideout said in May he was focused on his performance in 2025, knowing a strong showing would boost his market value this spring. 
So far, things have certainly gone well in Pickens’ debut Dallas campaign. The 24-year-old has racked up 607 yards and is tied for the league lead in touchdown receptions with six through seven games. Part of that production can be attributed to CeeDee Lamb‘s absence, but with both of the Cowboys’ top receivers now back in the fold it will be interesting to see if Pickens can continue his strong start.
The former second-rounder said in August he would be open to the idea of remaining in Dallas past 2025. A decision on that front will of course depend largely on how the rest of the season plays out, but Pickens has enjoyed his time with the team to date. As a result, his latest comments on the matter confirm an extension (or at least a re-signing prior to the start of free agency) could be in store.
“I wouldn’t mind it,” Pickens said when asked about the possibility of re-upping with the Cowboys (via Jon Machota of The Athletic). “The guys in the locker room are super cool, the energy is great. I always want to showcase my talents.”
On-field production is of course only one factor to consider in this instance in particular. The Steelers elected to move on from Pickens following the 2024 campaign due in no small part to concerns over his attitude and professionalism. Indeed, a small market was in store on the trade market despite the Georgia product’s substantial upside. Pickens already has one 1,000-yard campaign to his name and he is well on his way to another in 2025.
“He is doing more than we did expect or that we could have expected,” owner Jerry Jones said when speaking about Pickens and the possibility of a new deal in his case. “What’s really special is he’s a real plus to have around the team. He’s a real plus around his teammates, he’s a great plus around those coaches… We knew full well that if things really went like we want them to go that certainly we need to think about having some [salary cap] room available if we’re going to pay a second receiver at that level.”
Lamb is attached to a $34MM-per-year deal signed last summer, tying him to the Cowboys for the long term. Making another major receiver investment by retaining Pickens would have major cap implications, although of course the Micah Parsons trade created financial flexibility for future contracts. Earlier this month, Jones stated a willingness to keep Pickens in the fold. If that sentiment – which looks to be mutual – holds through the coming months, a long-term arrangement could be worked out.
The Cowboys are the perfect spot for Pickens.
You get to be a me first player who puts up stats and you don’t have to worry about winning big games.
Which is the complete opposite of how his tenure with Dallas has been so far, but please tell us about the Steelers continued failures with being able to coach their players.
Aren’t they looking to make a trade for another receiver???
That’s not all on the organization. Do you know why Pickens was a problem in the locker room. I don’t.
Easy to play the darling when your pumping stats in your contract year…
Regardless I do like the fit on the Cowboys.
We all know – Tomlin.
Cowboys fans got to see a glimpse of the massive talents without CeeDee. Now, let’s see how things go when CeeDee gets 10 for 130 and Pickens gets 2 for 18. Hopefully he’s matured and learned to continue to play when he’s not directly involved with the play. Those were 2 of his biggest issues in Pittsburgh. Again, I’m hoping the trade woke him up and he’s matured because his God-given talents are insane. But those are things to keep an eye on for Cowboys fans.
Pickens biggest issue was not having quality QB play. He had 5 QBs in just 3 years, and none of them were quality quarterbacks. AJ Brown has had “issues” because Jalen Hurts can’t consistently throw a catchable ball.
Pickens sharing the field with CD should not be an issue. They each create opportunities for the other, as well as more targets due to longer drives. This offense is one of the best in the NFL specifically because it can beat you in so many ways. CD, GP, Ferguson, Javonte Williams, Turpin, and the best kicker in the league. When you’re scoring 30+ a game, there’s room for multiple players to feast.
When does Dallas realize the defense is a priority. Did they even consider trading CeeDee instead of Parsons?
Steelers easily one of the dumbest franchises.