Jerry Jones’ comments on George Pickens hint at easy Cowboys decision, but there’s one big caveat
The Dallas Cowboys feel like they’ve seen more than they could have expected from George Pickens.
Since the Dallas Cowboys traded for George Pickens in May, it had the makings of one of the best moves the front office had made in years. Six weeks into the season, the deal looks even better than expected. Pickens has delivered on and off the field and has even looked like a legit WR1 in CeeDee Lamb’s absence.
The numbers speak for themselves. He’s tied for the lead in the NFL in receiving touchdowns and ranks third in receiving yards. Advanced metrics also vouch for him as he ranks fifth in EPA/target, eighth in success rate, second in first down rate, and sixth in explosive play rate per Sports Info Solutions (min. 20 targets).
Pickens has been so good that Jerry Jones is being faced with questions about a potential contract extension for him. And his comments on the matter suggest Dallas is leaning toward an extension at some point but there’s one big caveat. Let’s dive in.
Jerry Jones admits George Pickens is exceeding expectations
The Cowboys owner responded to questions by pointing out that since May, the front office planned for being mindful of having enough cap space to pay a second wide receiver near the top of the market in the event the results were promising.
“We knew full well that if things really went the way we wanted them to, we’d have to think about having some room available if we were going to pay a second receiver at that level,” Jones told reporters on Tuesday at an event for The East-West Shrine Bowl.
Are things going they way they wanted them to? Yes. Not only that, and Jones is the first to admit Pickens has exceeded expectations.
“He’s doing more than we expected — more than we could’ve expected,” Jones said. “What’s really special is he’s a real plus to have around the team. He’s a big positive with his teammates, and the coaches think very highly of him. So he’s not only producing on the field, he’s contributing as part of the team concept. That’s very important, and in his case, it should be noted. We’ll weigh that.”
The comments sure make it sound like Pickens is etching his name in the Cowboys’ long-term plans, even if Jones won’t fully commit to it for obvious reasons. So, what’s the holdup?
The big caveat for a George Pickens extension
To quote the Jones family, it takes two to tango when it comes to large NFL contract extensions. And right now, it will take a lot to convince Pickens and his agent—David Mulugheta (yes, Micah Parsons’ agent—to come out to the dance floor. Right now, Pickens’ value is skyrocketing as he answers the two biggest questions surrounding his career.
Can he be a quality teammate? Check. Can he produce as a WR1? Check. It’s only Week 7 and Pickens is already passing both tests with flying colors. He’s been described by Cowboys teammates as one of the best personalities in the locker room and the production without Lamb has been obvious, including a 168-yard performance last week.
Right now, Pickens’ valuation per Over the Cap sits at $28.65 million per year. That’s over the projected franchise tag for wide receivers of $28 million. Pickens and Mulugheta know his value could rise even further with consistent play moving forward.
In other words, an extension isn’t all about Pickens “proving” himself to the Cowboys. It’s also about him seeking to climb the next ladder in the market and become one of the highest-paid at his position. Patience is on Pickens’ side.
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