Jerry Jones says he doesn't envision George Pickens leaving Dallas. Can the Cowboys afford to sign their star wide receiver duo of Pickens and CeeDee Lamb to extensions?
FRISCO - The emergence of wide receiver George Pickens has been a massive boost to the Dallas Cowboys' offense this season, and owner/GM Jerry Jones has made it clear he wants the star receiver to remain in Dallas long-term.
After being acquired via trade from the Steelers for a third-round pick in May, Pickens has quickly become one of the league's top threats.
Through 11 games, he ranks second in the NFL in receiving yards with 1,054 and third in receiving touchdowns with eight.
However, with Pickens set to become a free agent after this season, his future has been a major topic of discussion.
Jones put those concerns to rest on Tuesday, stating on 105.3 The Fan that he "do[es] not at this time" envision a scenario where Pickens plays anywhere other than Dallas in 2026.
Jones emphasized the rare opportunity the team has with two elite receivers.
"We've got two No. 1 receivers and that's just exceptional right at the time," Jones told Shan & RJ on The Fan. "Our quarterback (Prescott) is probably the best that he's ever been. There's more there."
Pickens' impact goes beyond the stat sheet, according to Jones, who praised his commitment to the team.
"He's an outstanding - let me emphasize this again - outstanding teammate," Jones continued. "He brings energy to the team even when he's not making some of those great receptions."
Keeping Pickens will be a costly endeavor, potentially commanding a contract extension in the range of, or even exceeding, the four-year, $136 million deal signed by his counterpart, CeeDee Lamb.
Jones chose not to speculate on the financial dynamic but expressed confidence in the team's position.
Lamb, for his part, has been Pickens' closest teammate and is actively hoping for a reunion.
"I have the most confidence that we're going to keep him," Lamb said last week. "So for us as his teammates, I feel like it's pretty clear: We want GP back."
With both the front office and the locker room aligned, the hope is high that the Cowboys will find a way to keep this explosive offensive core together for years to come.