George Pickens is in the final year of his contract, and his new team is unlikely to sign him to an extension at any point in the near future. The star wide receiver does not sound too concerned about that.
Pickens was traded to the Dallas Cowboys on Wednesday in exchange for a third-round draft pick and late-round pick swap. He held a conference call with the media on Thursday, and one of the questions he was asked was about his contract.
Pickens insisted he is focused on “trying to build a winning culture” with the Cowboys and not thinking about his contract situation.
“I’m kinda where my feet are right now, to be honest. I’m not really thinking about contract talks,” Pickens said. “I’m just glad to be with the Cowboys right now, trying to build a winning culture.”
New Cowboys WR George Pickens on being in the final year of his rookie contract: "I'm kinda where my feet are right now, to be honest. I'm not really thinking about contract talks. I'm just glad to be with the Cowboys right now, trying to build a winning culture."
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) May 8, 2025
The Cowboys signed CeeDee Lamb to a 4-year, $136 million extension prior to last season. They also still need to sign Micah Parsons to a long-term deal, so a new contract for Pickens probably is not high on their priority list.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin also openly said last season that Pickens needs to “grow up.” Another unflattering report surfaced about the 24-year-old after he was traded.
Pickens will likely need to prove himself both on and off the field before the Cowboys consider signing him long-term. Given his reputation, his best approach would be to turn in a solid season and prove he is worthy of being paid like a top wide receiver. For now, the former Georgia star seems content to work toward that goal.
