The Dallas Cowboys are coming off a tough Week 6 loss to the Carolina Panthers, falling to 2-3-1 this season, and now they’re gearing up for a crucial NFC East showdown against the Washington Commanders in Week 7.
Owner Jerry Jones spoke to reporters this week, and as expected, his comments stirred up some drama.
Jones drew particular attention when discussing newly acquired wide receiver George Pickens, who has been extremely productive through six games, especially with CeeDee Lamb sidelined due to an ankle injury.
Pickens is due for a contract extension this offseason, and while many Cowboys fans believe he should be locked up to a lucrative deal, Jones isn’t ready to commit just yet, preferring to see how things play out before making a decision on paying a second wide receiver at that level.
“I don’t want to sit here and… as you know, there’s even a competition to it,” Jones said. “He is doing more than we expected or could have expected, and what’s really special is he’s a real plus to have around the team. He’s a real plus around his teammates, he’s a great presence around those coaches, and those coaches really think highly of him.
“So he’s not only contributing on the field, he’s doing it as part of the team concept, which is very important and should be noted. But we’ll weigh [contract extension talks]. We knew full well that if things really went the way we wanted them to, then we certainly need to think about having some room available if we’re going to pay a second receiver at that level.”
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Jones’ remarks brought about some heated comments from his fan base.
“He’s scenile! This just means he isn’t signing Pickens,” a fan said.
Someone else added: “This guy would rather die than have to pay another WR big bucks. Should I just start mentally preparing for Pickens to be on a new team next year.”
Another person wrote: “Of course Jerry will wait till GP shines so bright he’ll have to pay him in the Cee Dee range.”
“If you want Pickens sign him NOW well the price is lower. It’s only going to go UP. Hasn’t he learned don’t wait on contracts,” a fan reacted.
One more fan commented: “I really wish reporters would just stop asking him questions the Franchise would be in a better place.”
Pickens, who joined the Cowboys after a three-year run with the Pittsburgh Steelers, has already recorded 32 receptions for 525 yards and six touchdowns, while averaging 16.4 yards per catch. He came off a standout performance against the Panthers, hauling in nine receptions for 168 yards and a touchdown.
Dallas is expected to potentially get Lamb back from injury this week against the Commanders, which will likely determine how the team values Pickens moving forward. His performance alongside Lamb—the clear-cut No. 1 receiver on the roster—will be the true measure of his impact.
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