SAN FRANCISCO – When the Cowboys traded for George Pickens ahead of the 2025 season, they were hoping to get a strong compliment to CeeDee Lamb for their passing attack.
They got that and then some, as Pickens set a career high in receiving yards with 1,429, also good for the third-most in the league. He added nine receiving touchdowns, a Pro Bowl nod and earned a spot as an AP second-team All-Pro.
It couldn't have come at a better time for Pickens, who becomes a free agent this offseason. Cowboys owner/GM Jerry Jones saw how much Pickens impacted the offense, and made it clear that he wants to keep the 24-year-old in Dallas.
"I'm talking to Geroge all the time by virtue of my excitement for him," Jones said when asked if contract extension talks have begun with Pickens. "He's better than, as far as what he contributed to our team, showing the potential that he could contribute. I'm looking forward to getting things worked out so George can be a Cowboy a long time."
Earlier in the week at his first Pro Bowl, Pickens said he “would love to” remain in Dallas, but that it's out of his control and he's hoping for the best in the negotiation process.
"Just the ultimate best deal when it helps everybody…" Pickens said when asked what kind of deal he's looking for. "If it's the best thing for both parties, then I'm willing to do anything. But like I said, I can't control it, so I just kind of chill."
Pickens' teammates have not held back from voicing their support to keep him in a Cowboys uniform in 2026 and beyond. For QB Dak Prescott, it's an absolute must this offseason.
"I think it's vital. I think it must be done," Prescott said. "I think obviously from Jerry to everybody down understands that, and one the impact on this offense and the team and the great player that he is, we've got to find a way to keep him here."
Pickens' counterpart CeeDee Lamb feels the same way, and said on Wednesday that he wouldn't blink if Pickens' new contract saw him earning more than Lamb's current $34 million per year.
"I don't care about that, I just want my man to get what he deserves," Lamb said on San Antonio's Sports Star radio station at the Super Bowl's radio row. "As for me, I know I'm good. I'm fine. Me and my family, we're straight, and I just want to compete at the highest level and I want to compete for a ring."
"The money will come if you play good, so just play good and let everything else take care of itself. As for GP, he's well deserving. He deserves every penny that he gets. And if he gets more than me, I'm going to congratulate him on that."
For now, the wait continues.
