/10. BREAKING NEWS: Cowboys WR George Pickens says he’s open to staying in Dallas long term, praising the locker room vibe and energy — but makes it clear his top priority is winning, something he’s “done his whole life.”
Most teams would slow down on offense after losing their star wide receiver, but the Dallas Cowboys are another story.
Veteran wideout CeeDee Lamb notched over 100 receiving yards in Weeks 1 and 2, and the Cowboys won their Week 2 matchup over the New York Giants 40-37 in overtime. However, the 26-year-old left Week 3’s 31-14 loss to the Chicago Bears with an ankle injury and hasn’t appeared in a game since.
Luckily for Dallas, it also has former Pittsburgh Steelers No. 1 receiver George Pickens. The 24-year-old notched 134 yards and two touchdowns on eight catches in its 40-40 tie with the Green Bay Packers in Week 4 before tallying 168 yards and a score on nine catches in Sunday’s 30-27 loss to the Carolina Panthers.
Pickens, who’s tied for first in the NFL with six touchdown receptions and third with 525 receiving yards, revealed his thoughts on potentially staying with the Cowboys long-term after Wednesday’s practice via The Athletic’s Jon Machota.
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3)Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
“I wouldn’t mind it,” the former Georgia Bulldog said. “The guys in the locker room are super cool, the energy is great. I always want to showcase my talents.”
Pickens also revealed what’s most important to him as he considers his future.
“Definitely winning. Just because that’s been my resume the whole time,” the 24-year-old said. “I won in high school, I won at Georgia. Definitely winning, I always think about winning.”
George Pickens Shows Out in Contract Year
Lamb is expected to return against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, via the team’s website. However, Pickens has earned the right to be a main piece of the offense even when with the All-Pro back on the field.
The 6-foot-3, 200-pounder was effective alongside Lamb against the Giants, totaling five catches for 68 yards and a touchdown. His one quiet game was against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1, when he recorded three catches for 30 yards.
It’s clear that Dallas is better when Pickens is more involved. Between him, Lamb, and running back Javonte Williams, who ranks fourth with 476 rushing yards and tied for third with five scores on the ground, the team has plenty of players to help quarterback Dak Prescott move the ball down the field.
Pickens, who the Cowboys acquired from the Pittsburgh Steelers this past offseason, is on an expiring contract per Spotrac. Ditto for Williams, so Dallas owner/CEO Jerry Jones will have to get his checkbook out to retain both of them long-term.
