The Dallas Cowboys' decision to trade for receiver George Pickens was a genius one, as he has played like one of the top playmakers in the league through the season's first eight weeks.
When acquiring Pickens, the Cowboys knew he was in the last year of his rookie deal, and when speaking to the media on Thursday, he made it very clear that he would be open to staying in Dallas long term (h/t @jonmachota). When asked if he'd like a new contract from the Cowboys now or in the offseason, Pickens responded, "That’s kinda up to what (Jerry Jones) wants to do. All I can do is perform at my best.”
George Pickens Is Open to Signing an Extension with Cowboys but Defers to Front Office
Pickens enters Week 9 third in the NFL in receiving yards (685) and receiving touchdowns (6), while being tied for 11th in receptions (43). When CeeDee Lamb went down with his ankle injury, Pickens stepped up and gave the offense a go-to weapon.
Despite being in Dallas for less than a year, he has already seemed to have earned the trust of quarterback Dak Prescott. When the receiver is in one-on-one coverage, Prescott isn't afraid to throw the ball up and give his receiver a chance to make a play.
The Cowboys already have a star in Lamb, but adding Pickens elevates this passing attack to a whole other level. But while Pickens is open to an extension with Dallas, it falls on owner/general manager Jerry Jones. He has been known for dragging his feet in negotiations, as he did with both Prescott and Lamb.
It just happened this past offseason with Micah Parsons, and they traded him to the Green Bay Packers once his financial demands became too much. If the Cowboys want to save money this time around, they should pay Pickens now.
Per Spotrac, Pickens' projected contract is listed at five years, $145 million ($29.1 million). And if Pickens finishes the year out without an extension, that money will increase. Whenever a good player hits the open market, especially a receiver that's just 24 years old, teams will overpay to make sure they land him.
Pickens is making it known that he wants to stay in the Lone Star State, and Jones would be wise to lock down his young receiver sooner rather than later. Based on history, though, that won't happen, and that will end up being a costly mistake for a Cowboys team that needs to drastically improve its defense to become a serious title contender. So every dollar they save is huge from a team-building aspect.