Jerry Jones sends clear message amid George Pickens criticism

For all the noise swirling around wide receiver George Pickens after the Dallas Cowboys’ Week 14 loss to the Detroit Lions, the truth inside the building is very different from the online narrative. Dallas isn’t worried about his effort. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones isn’t questioning his commitment. Coaches aren’t frustrated with his attitude. They’re too worried about how much they’re going to have to pay him after this season.

Pickens set to become one of NFL’s highest-paid WRs

Pickens has exceeded expectations since arriving in Dallas via the post-draft trade. He’s become one of Dak Prescott’s favorite targets, a top-five receiver statistically, and one of the most explosive players in the game. He is putting up the kind of numbers that get receivers paid at historic levels: 78 receptions, 1,179 yards (3rd in NFL), and top-five in touchdowns. Those are the kinds of stats that can reshape a market.

According to league-wide projections, the franchise tag for wide receivers in 2026 is $28 million. Sportrac projects a deal for Pickens to be a five-year, $153.7 million contract, earning him an average of $30.8 million a year. If that happens, it would make Pickens one of the six-highest paid receivers in the league. That would put him in the same realm as CeeDee Lamb, A.J. Brown, and Tyreek Hill.

When the Cowboys traded for Pickens, the league saw it as a roll of the dice. Pickens was a clear talent, but he came with risks. He was known for his off-field controversy and he was about to enter a whole new environment. But from the second he showed up in Dallas, he got right to work, and ended up becoming a superstar. The best part for the ‘Boys at the time was that they didn’t have to pay him like one...yet. That clock is ticking fast now though.

The “criticism” is just noise

Week 14 produced its share of highlight-reel scrutiny, with analysts questioning Pickens’ effort on a handful of plays. Inside the Cowboys’ building, those criticisms barely registered.

Jerry Jones put it plainly on 105.3 The Fan: “I don’t have any concern about the debate. He brings everything to the table.”

Pickens is only 24. He’s in his first year with a new quarterback, a new system, and new expectations. Critics focus on one off night, but the Cowboys’ front office is focusing on the 1,179 yards he’s already banked, and the fact that defenses are now scheming entire game plans around stopping him. If he finishes strong, he’ll become one of the most expensive players in franchise history. Whether the Cowboys give him the extension early or push this toward a franchise-tag standoff in 2026 will be the defining offseason question.

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