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.