Cowboys owner Jerry Jones makes stance clear on retaining George Pickens
The Dallas Cowboys rallied from 21 points down to pull off a 24-21 win over the NFC East rival Eagles on Sunday. Wide receiver George Pickens was among the driving forces behind the team’s stunning comeback. The first-year Cowboy hauled in nine of Dak Prescott‘s passes for the second game in a row, racked up 146 yards, and scored a touchdown.
After a productive three-year run in Pittsburgh, which traded him in May, Pickens has found another gear with a change of scenery. The 24-year-old ranks second in the NFL in yards (1,054), third in TDs (a career-high eight), and eighth in catches (67, also a personal best). With Pickens scheduled to reach free agency in the offseason, he’s enjoying a breakout year at the right time.
While a trip to the open market would prove lucrative for Pickens, odds are he won’t get there. Even if Dallas and Pickens are unable to reach a long-term agreement before free agency begins in March, it seems likely the team will place the franchise tag on the wideout.
The tag would cost the Cowboys around $28M, but it appears they’d be willing to make a longer commitment. The goal is to keep Pickens in the fold beyond 2026, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports.
The two sides have not begun contract talks, according to Rapoport, but a tagged Pickens would be eligible for an extension until July 2026. That would give team and player a few months to work something out. The Cowboys haven’t used the tag on a receiver since Dez Bryant in March 2015. They ended up extending Bryant that July.
Neither Pickens nor his representatives at Athletes First would be thrilled with the tag, per Rapoport, who notes trading him for picks could be an option for the Cowboys if they can’t extend him. They’d prefer to avoid that, though.
Notably, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and one of Pickens’ agents, David Mulugheta, clashed during contract negotiations for Micah Parsons last summer. After a long and contentious standoff, the Cowboys wound up trading Parsons to the Packers in a late-August blockbuster. The history between Jones and Mulugheta may not bode well on paper, though team sources told Rapoport it won’t stand in the way of a potential Pickens deal.
Cowboys' Jerry Jones praises WR George Pickens
After watching Pickens help the Cowboys improve to 5-5-1 and stay in the playoff hunt in Week 12, Jones lavished praise on the star pass catcher, saying (via Jon Machota of The Athletic): “We are proud we’ve got him, and I don’t know of anyone that has helped his team any more to win this year.”
When asked if he wants Pickens to stay with the Cowboys in 2026, Jones left no doubt.
“Of course, of course we are proud to have him and I don’t even want to play games with it, we’d love to have him on the team,” Jones said.
The Cowboys already have one massive receiver contract on their books after Jones authorized a four-year, $136M extension for CeeDee Lamb in August 2024. Lamb is one of 10 receivers averaging upward of $30M per year. Pickens is making a case to join him on an enormous multiyear pact of his own. At the very least, Pickens will approach the $30M figure next season if he plays under the tag.
MLB Superstar Jarren Duran and Girlfriend Provide 10,000 Free Meals to Homeless in Boston in Heartwarming Act of Generosity
Boston, MA – In a heartwarming show of kindness, MLB star Jarren Duran and his girlfriend have teamed up to provide 10,000 free meals to the homeless in Boston. The couple’s generous gesture has touched the hearts of many in the community, offering hope and nourishment to those in need.
The initiative, which took place over several days, saw Duran and his girlfriend work alongside local shelters, food banks, and volunteer organizations to distribute the meals across various locations in Boston. Their goal was to provide comfort, dignity, and support to individuals and families facing homelessness.
“I’ve been blessed with many opportunities, and I believe it’s my responsibility to use those opportunities to help others,” said Duran, the speedy outfielder for the Boston Red Sox. “This is about more than just feeding people; it’s about offering compassion and making sure those who are struggling feel seen and supported. No one should have to go hungry, and we want to do our part to help however we can.”
With the help of volunteers from around Boston, Duran and his girlfriend were able to distribute the 10,000 meals. The couple actively participated in the process, serving meals, speaking with recipients, and ensuring that each person felt valued. Their involvement brought not only food but also a sense of community and respect to those they helped.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu praised Duran and his girlfriend for their selflessness. “Jarren Duran and his girlfriend’s generosity is a shining example of what it means to be a part of this great city,” said Mayor Wu. “They didn’t just provide meals—they provided hope. Their actions remind us all of the power of kindness and the difference one person can make.”
Duran’s charitable work in Boston is part of his broader commitment to giving back. Known for his community involvement, Duran has used his platform to raise awareness for important causes. His partnership with his girlfriend further emphasizes their shared mission to make a lasting impact.
“We’re both passionate about helping others,” Duran continued. “This isn’t just a one-time event for us. We plan to continue supporting those in need wherever we go. We hope that by using our platform, we can inspire others to join us in making a difference.”
For the homeless community in Boston, the 10,000 meals represented more than just food—it was a powerful message of compassion, respect, and community spirit. Many recipients expressed their gratitude, noting how much it meant to see individuals like Duran and his girlfriend step in to help.
As the couple looks to the future, they plan to expand their efforts and continue helping communities in need across the country. “This is just the beginning,” Duran said. “We want to keep spreading kindness and making a positive impact wherever we go.”
