Six games into his first season with the Dallas Cowboys, wide receiver George Pickens isn't ready to make any grand declarations about his future. On Wednesday, Pickens discussed his upcoming free agency with reporters, and while he didn't rule out signing a long-term extension with the Cowboys, he kept the door open for an early exit.
"I wouldn’t mind it," Pickens said (h/t The Athletic's Jon Machota). "The guys in the locker room are super cool, the energy is great. I always want to showcase my talents.”
While that would suggest the four-year pro would be likely to return to Dallas in 2026, other comments leave doubt. When asked about his priorities going forward, Pickens didn't leave himself open to interpretation.
"Definitely winning," he said. "Just because that's been my resume the whole time. I won in high school. I won at Georgia... I always think about winning."
George Pickens Is Refusing to Give Cowboys Leverage
Pickens' comments could spark urgency in the front office to make moves before the Nov. 4, 4 p.m. ET trade deadline to bolster the team's odds of reaching the playoffs. He might be waiting for Dallas to prove that its Super Bowl aspirations are serious before committing for the long haul.
Dallas is playoff-caliber on the offensive side of the ball, but unless it acquires defensive talent ahead of this year's trade deadline, it will likely be for naught. That could significantly hamper its ability to re-sign Pickens, who was acquired in May from the Pittsburgh Steelers (along with a 2027 sixth-round pick) for a 2026 third-round pick and 2027 fifth-rounder.
The Cowboys (2-3-1) have glaring needs across the board on defense, which ranks last in yards allowed (2,470) and No. 31 in scoring (30.7 points per game). Per Stathead, Dallas is one of two teams (Baltimore Ravens) to have allowed at least 30 points in four games this season. (29.7 PPG).
However, Dallas has only lost twice when allowing 30 points, thanks to its No. 3 scoring offense. Pickens has been crucial in keeping the Cowboys' passing attack on track with All-Pro wideout CeeDee Lamb missing the past three games with an ankle injury. As the lead option over the past four weeks, Pickens has 24 receptions, 427 yards (17.8 yards per reception), and five touchdowns.
With that in mind, the veteran playmaker likely wants to see how high his ceiling is so that he can chase a dollar amount that properly aligns with his performance.
Pickens has proven his value with Lamb sidelined, and it's time the Cowboys showed the same upside. With the current roster, Dallas is simply treading water. It must be aggressive making deals over the next two and a half weeks, or it could kiss its playoff hopes — and Pickens — goodbye.