Imagine a young star wide receiver lighting up the NFL with record-breaking performances, yet leaving fans on the edge of their seats wondering if he'll stick around after the season. That's the intriguing drama unfolding with George Pickens and the Dallas Cowboys right now. But here's where it gets controversial—could his explosive playstyle actually push him out the door, or is this just another chapter in building a championship team? Let's dive in and unpack this story together.
Reporting from Frisco, Texas, on October 15, 2025, I'm Todd Archer, an NFL insider at ESPN who's been covering the league since 1997 and the Cowboys specifically since 2003. I've been with ESPN since 2010, so I've seen a lot of twists in pro football careers.
George Pickens' debut campaign with the Dallas Cowboys has sparked a lot of curious chatter about whether he'd want to extend his stay beyond 2025. 'I wouldn't mind staying,' he shared on Wednesday, pointing out how the locker room vibe and team energy are top-notch. 'But I've always got to focus on showcasing my skills, no doubt about that.'
Pickens joined the Cowboys in May via a trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers, and he's now gearing up to hit unrestricted free agency at season's end. In just five games, he's hauled in 32 passes for 525 yards and crossed the goal line six times—marking a personal best for touchdowns. If he adds another score this Sunday against the Washington Commanders, he'll be the first Cowboy wide receiver to achieve that feat in six consecutive games since Terrell Owens did it back in 2007. For beginners new to football stats, think of it like this: Owens was a legendary receiver known for his acrobatic catches and big plays, so Pickens matching that streak would be a huge nod to his potential.
Interestingly, Pickens and fellow receiver Amari Cooper are the only Cowboys who've hit at least 500 receiving yards and six touchdowns in their opening six games with the team. It's a testament to how quickly he's adapted and contributed.
When asked if the upcoming contract talks are causing any jitters, Pickens kept it cool: 'I probably wouldn't worry too much about that right now since I'm deep into the season. My main focus is just pushing forward and seeing how close we can get to the playoffs and beyond.'
Meanwhile, Pro Bowl receiver CeeDee Lamb, who earns a whopping $34 million annually, has been sidelined for the last three games due to a high left ankle sprain. But good news—expect him back on the field Sunday against the Commanders. On Wednesday, he was listed as limited in practice.
Coach Brian Schottenheimer, when quizzed on what he'd need to see from Lamb to clear him for action, joked lightly but seriously: 'If he's breathing, I'd feel pretty good about it. Honestly, though, CeeDee knows the game inside out. If he can run routes and snag a couple of passes, I'm all set.'
With Lamb returning and Pickens continuing his hot streak, the Cowboys' offense—which already ranks No. 1 in yardage and No. 3 in scoring—should become even more formidable. 'It'll be way more dangerous and explosive,' Pickens noted, 'especially with other talents like CeeDee and KaVontae Turpin out there adding layers you can't quite put into words.'
As someone who'll turn 25 next March, Pickens is shaping up to be a prime target in free agency if he becomes available. The Cowboys might even consider using the franchise tag to keep him. And this is the part most people miss—how his off-field presence is just as impactful as his on-field stats.
On Tuesday, Cowboys owner and GM Jerry Jones dodged direct questions about starting contract negotiations with Pickens right away, but he was clearly impressed with the trade's outcome. 'In every way imaginable, he's exceeded what we hoped for or even dared to expect,' Jones said. 'What's truly remarkable is how he's become a real asset not just on the field, but in the locker room, with his teammates, and even with the coaches—who absolutely rave about him. He's embodying the team spirit perfectly, and that's something special in his case.
'We'll have to evaluate that carefully. We were aware from the start that if things clicked as we envisioned, we'd need to carve out the financial space to potentially pay another receiver at that high level.'
But here's where opinions might clash: Is prioritizing two elite receivers like Lamb and Pickens a smart long-term strategy for the Cowboys, or could it drain resources needed elsewhere, like the offensive line or defense? Some fans argue it's essential for scoring dominance, while others worry it might lead to overpaying and roster imbalances. What do you think—should the Cowboys lock in Pickens long-term, or let the market decide? Share your thoughts in the comments; I'd love to hear your take!
