The Dallas Cowboys are planning ahead of next season with some crucial decisions including the extension of wide receiver George Pickens looming. The franchise did not have a good 2025 season, missing the playoffs after a disappointing 7-9-1 record in the regular season.
This has prompted team owner Jerry Jones to seriously consider what steps to take in this important offseason period. Despite some issues with him, he has prioritized one player for the next season.
Jerry Jones laughs off George Pickens multiple disciplinary issues
Pickens has given his best on the field despite his team’s overall dismal performance in the 2025 NFL season. He had 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and 9 touchdowns, his best ever season in his career so far. He stepped up massively when teammate CeeDee Lamb missed 4 games earlier in the season.
Nov 23, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) smiles after the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Nov 23, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) smiles after the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
However, he has a lot of off-the-field disciplinary issues despite his standout performances. He has been repeatedly late to team meetings and has broken team curfew as well. Notably, he once broke curfew with Lamb during a road game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer has been strict with him, benching him during the start of that game while the team has also fined him.
His fines for this year alone just by the NFL is reported to be a total of $95,642 for various issues. His career fine total is said to be $219,631 showcasing his knack for breaking discipline. Amid all this, owner Jones was asked about it, and he dismissed them by saying, “I’ve missed a few myself… Something came up.”
He added that as long as he performs well for the team, the disciplinary issues can be ignored, “As long as he cares about the team, and he does, things like being late to meetings, missing a bus, little annoyances like that, that’s forgivable. What matters is whether you’re committed to winning and being a good teammate.” Ahead of his contract extension talks, this was a massive hint from Jones that he wants the player to stay.
George Pickens’ extension talks continue
Pickens is currently in free agency and is one of the most sought-after free agents after his contract ended with the Cowboys. The franchise is eager to keep him and are planning to place the non-exclusive franchise tag on him before the March 3 deadline. If they do so, they can keep him for one more year for around $28 million.
It would give them exclusive negotiating rights with any franchise wanting to trade for him while also allowing them more time to discuss with the player for a long-term extension. A five-year deal worth $30.8 million annually is being reported, which will cost the franchise a total of $153.7 million during that time period. If he does sign the deal, it will make him the sixth-highest paid wide receiver in the league.
It remains to be seen whether the Cowboys manage to keep George Pickens for the next season.