George Pickens has certainly made waves since joining the Dallas Cowboys, and it’s safe to say that the Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t fully anticipate his explosive success when they traded him for a mere third-round pick (along with a fifth- and sixth-round pick swap) back in May. Given his undeniable talent, it’s likely they would have put aside any concerns over his minor on-field antics if they had known how impactful he would become.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers must be feeling a mixture of disbelief and envy, especially after witnessing Pickens’ remarkable performance—described as “balletic” by Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones—during Monday Night Football. The entire Steelers organization is probably wishing they had held onto him given the talent he’s showcased since moving to Dallas.
In a striking game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Pickens amassed nine receptions, totaling 144 yards with one touchdown, contributing significantly to the Cowboys’ 33-16 victory. With performances like this, it seems unlikely that Pickens will be leaving Dallas anytime soon—barring unexpected requests for discounts from the likes of Dez Bryant, who recently urged him to reconsider how he approaches contract negotiations.
“George Pickens..I want you to understand that whenever it’s time to negotiate your new contract.. your legacy will be worth more than being the highest paid wide receiver.. if you stayed with Cowboys. There’s a lot more to the thought process, but think about it,” Bryant advised via social media.
Bryant’s statement stirred some controversy among fans, many of whom quickly criticized his advice. One pointed out the similarities between Bryant’s comments and those made by Jerry Jones in the past: “Dez hitting Pickens with the same pitch Jerry hit Dez with lmao.”
“Bro basically said, ‘Jerry ain’t paying you but please stay,’” joked another fan, while others insisted that Pickens should not entertain any notions of a hometown discount. “Get paid Pickens,” one Twitter user firmly stated.
“They could draft 10 WRs and not land another Pickens.. they’ve tried. They better find a way to keep him. Redo Dak & CeeDee. Find the money,” advised one insightful supporter, emphasizing Pickens’ irreplaceable talent.
Pickens’ remarkable performances are certainly strengthening his leverage ahead of contract negotiations, set for next spring. Jerry Jones’ effusive praise of Pickens also enhances his bargaining power. Just recently, the Dallas owner stated: “Pickens was — I’ve never seen a performance like that. It was poetic the way that he was making those moves out there. It was like he was in an opera or something out there. A ballet.”
Coming from a figure who has witnessed the careers of legendary players like Michael Irvin and Terrell Owens, such accolades are noteworthy.
Reaction to Bryant’s comments was swift and critical, with former NFL stars Shannon Sharpe and Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson expressing disbelief at the notion of sacrificing financial gain for legacy. “The legacy, yeah that’s cute too. But you can’t eat with that. You can’t pay no bills with that,” Johnson said.
“Your legacy is what the hell you do for [your kids] and how you leave them situated after you’re long gone! Damn an NFL legacy!” Sharpe added, underscoring the importance of financial stability over legacy.
As it stands, if Pickens maintains his current level of play—ranking 11th in receptions (58), second in total yards (908), third in touchdowns (seven), and seventh in yards per reception (15.7)—he’s positioned to command a lucrative contract come offseason, likely setting him up as one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the league.
A contract in line with what CeeDee Lamb signed is very much within reach, particularly since many observers believe Pickens has been a more consistent and impactful player for the Cowboys this season.
With recent exhausting negotiations wrapped up for other stars like Lamb and Dak Prescott, Jerry Jones will soon find himself facing another high-stakes contract discussion; one that may heavily influence the future of the Cowboys.
