The Dallas Cowboys have a big decision looming, and Jerry Jones isn’t hiding how he feels about it.
When asked about the future of wide receiver George Pickens, Jones made it clear: he wants No. 14 in a Cowboys uniform for the long haul.
"I'm talking to George all the time by virtue of my excitement for him," Jones said. “I’m looking forward to getting things worked out so George can be a Cowboy a long time.”
That excitement is more than justified. Pickens, who arrived in Dallas via trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers last offseason, delivered a breakout campaign that turned heads across the league.
He racked up 1,429 receiving yards - good for third in the NFL - while adding 93 catches and nine touchdowns, all career highs. For a player known for highlight-reel grabs and contested catches, this season was proof that he’s not just a flashy talent - he’s a legitimate No. 1 threat.
And in Dallas, pairing him with CeeDee Lamb - the five-time Pro Bowler already under contract through 2028 - gives the Cowboys one of the most dynamic receiving duos in the league. Locking up Pickens long-term would be a statement move, signaling that the Cowboys are doubling down on giving their offense the firepower it needs to compete at the highest level.
Pickens, for his part, isn’t closing any doors. Speaking earlier this week, he said he “would love to” stay in Dallas, but admitted he’ll “wait it out and hope for the best.”
That’s the kind of measured response you’d expect from a player entering free agency after a career year. He knows his value - and so does the rest of the league.
If the Cowboys can’t reach a deal before free agency opens, the franchise tag remains an option. The projected tag for wide receivers is $28.8 million, according to Over the Cap. That’s a hefty price, but for a player who just finished top three in receiving yards, it might be worth it - at least in the short term.
Of course, the Cowboys have been down this road before. Just last offseason, contract negotiations with Micah Parsons fell apart, leading to a blockbuster trade that sent the star pass-rusher to Green Bay. That move sparked plenty of criticism, especially given Parsons’ impact on the field and leadership in the locker room.
This time around, the Cowboys can’t afford another misstep. Pickens has quickly become a fan favorite and a key piece of the offense. Whether it’s a long-term extension or the franchise tag, the message from Jones is clear: he wants Pickens in Dallas - and he wants him there for years to come.