If you were thinking twice about buying that George Pickens jersey for Christmas, it might be safe to hit “add to cart.” Based on what we just saw on HBO’s Hard Knocks: In Season with the Dallas Cowboys, it sure sounds like Pickens is part of the long-term plan in Dallas - and not just in a speculative, “we’ll see how it goes” kind of way.
The latest episode gave fans another peek behind the curtain, and this time, it was Cowboys owner Jerry Jones who may have tipped the team’s hand on Pickens’ future. In a candid moment during a meeting with the coaching staff, Jones didn’t mince words about how he views the young wideout.
“My picture of him is, for the future, is we’ve got Superman in terms of his love for competing and playing football. That’s what you’re getting.” Jerry Jones (via Hard Knocks)
That’s not exactly the kind of language you use for a player you’re unsure about. It’s the kind of conviction that suggests Pickens is more than just a short-term asset - he’s a foundational piece in their eyes.
Now, let’s be real: Pickens hasn’t exactly been lighting it up on the field lately. His effort - or lack thereof - in the game against the Detroit Lions raised some eyebrows, and Hard Knocks didn’t shy away from that storyline.
In fact, Pickens sat down with NBC’s Cris Collinsworth and Mike Tirico during a production meeting and addressed the criticism head-on. He admitted he didn’t bring his best that day.
No excuses, no dodging - just ownership.
But the struggles didn’t stop there. Pickens followed that up with another quiet outing against Minnesota.
Over the last two games, he’s hauled in just 8 of 15 targets for 70 yards. Not exactly WR1 numbers, especially in games the Cowboys desperately needed to win to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Even with a win this past weekend over the Chargers, the Cowboys are still hanging by a thread in the playoff picture - their odds sit at just two percent. That’s why Jones is already looking ahead.
The present may be murky, but the future? That’s where Dallas is clearly trying to plant its flag.
Of course, keeping Pickens around won’t be cheap. Whether it’s a long-term extension or the franchise tag, the Cowboys are going to have to get creative with the salary cap this offseason. But the tone from Jones suggests that the organization sees Pickens as worth the investment - not just for his talent, but for who he is as a competitor.
And that’s what matters most when it comes to big-money decisions in the NFL. Talent gets you in the door. Belief - in the player, in the person - is what gets you paid.
The final three games of the season could still carry weight in how the Cowboys approach negotiations. Pickens has a chance to remind the team - and the league - why he was such a coveted target in the first place.
The stage is set. Now it’s on him to finish strong.
Because if Dallas really does see him as their Superman, it’s time to show up with the cape.