The Dallas Cowboys fell to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night, 26-34. CeeDee Lamb finished with 111 yards that night. Receiver production shifted as opponents focused on George Pickens. Specific quarterback stat lines for the game were not provided in the excerpt.

George Pickens entered the game coming off a down stretch. He had five catches for 37 yards in Week 14 vs. Detroit. He followed that with three catches for 33 yards against Minnesota. Those were his two least-productive games since joining Dallas.

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Pickens was traded to Dallas from the Pittsburgh Steelers this season. The deal cost the Cowboys a third-round pick plus a late-round swap. He has responded with a strong season, 81 receptions, 1,212 yards and eight touchdowns. His rookie contract is ending, and he is set to become a free agent after the season.

Trade chatter and contract talks have followed Pickens all year. Owner Jerry Jones addressed the situation after the Vikings game. Jones reiterated he wants Pickens back next season. “I want him back next season,” Jones said, according to the report. That stance aligns with Jones’ public comments earlier in the year.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones on @1053thefan said nothing has changed, he still wants George Pickens back next season

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) December 16, 2025

Coach Brian Schottenheimer defended Pickens’ recent output. “They’ve obviously had a very specific plan the last two weeks,” Schottenheimer said per ESPN. He added, “We’re seeing a lot of different coverages… Does that mean we are going to stop throwing him the ball? No.” Schottenheimer also relayed Pickens’ own reaction: “Hey Schotty, I didn’t play my best game.”

Pickens struggled against Minnesota, but the team still views him as vital. Dallas plans to keep attacking and get him more involved down the stretch.

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