Dallas Cowboys should be patient before making George Pickens decision
Dallas Cowboys should be patient before making George Pickens decision
Through the first six weeks of the season, wide receiver George Pickens looks like the Dallas Cowboys' best offseason addition.
Pickens — whom the Pittsburgh Steelers traded to Dallas in May — has played like a No. 1 WR since CeeDee Lamb suffered an ankle injury in a Week 3 loss to the Chicago Bears. In three games without Lamb, the 2022 second-round pick has 19 receptions for 359 yards and four touchdown catches (via Pro Football Focus). Through six games, he ranks third in the league in receiving yards (525) and is tied for first in touchdown catches (six).
Pickens — who's in the last year of his rookie contract — may be playing himself into an extension. However, will the Cowboys give him one this offseason?
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones discusses plans for George Pickens
During a Tuesday interview with KRLD-FM in Dallas, Jones didn't commit to giving the 24-year-old WR an extension.
George Pickens in games without CeeDee Lamb
⭐ 19 catches
⭐ 359 yards
⭐ 4 TDs
⭐ 154.6 rating when targeted pic.twitter.com/7yQEtww6FA
— PFF (@PFF) October 12, 2025
Jerry Jones heaped praise on George Pickens when asked about potentially opening contract talks with the WR: "We'll look carefully at what we do with George. I can't tell you how proud I am for George. As exciting as he's been on the field for us, he's been that kind of teammate"
pic.twitter.com/64A2ieNTjB — 105.3 The FAN (@1053thefan) October 14, 2025
"We'll look carefully at what we do with George," Jones said. "I can't tell you how proud I am for George. As exciting as he's been on the field for us, he's been that kind of teammate."
The Cowboys waiting to extend Pickens is wise. While he hasn't been a trouble-maker for Dallas thus far, he had maturity concerns throughout his three-year tenure in Pittsburgh. This included getting into a scuffle after a loss to the Cleveland Browns last season.
To his credit, though, Pickens has been growing up this season. After recording a season-high 168 yards receiving in a Week 6 loss to the Carolina Panthers, he told Patrik Walker of the team website, "I definitely want to get the dub first — over anything."
Just as crucial for the Cowboys is their financial situation. Spotrac estimates Pickens' market value is a five-year deal worth $29.1M annually, 10th at his position. Dallas is projected to have only $2.86M in cap space this offseason.
Still, if Pickens keeps rolling, the Cowboys should find a way to extend him. Don't be surprised if he does, as Jones' comment gives the WR a carrot.
Clark Dalton
Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.
Eagles Cut WR Before Ever Playing A Snap In Philly
The Philadelphia Eagles made two moves on Tuesday involving the practice squad, including the release of a young wide receiver.
It was reported early in the day on Tuesday that the Eagles were releasing running back Audric Estime from the practice squad.
"The Eagles are releasing RB Audric Estime from their practice squad, as the former Broncos fifth-rounder is now a FA," per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
The #Eagles are releasing RB Audric Estime from their practice squad, as the former
#Broncos fifth rounder is now a FA. — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 14, 2025
When the Eagles officially announced the release of Estime from the practice squad, they also shared that they are releasing young wide receiver Javon Baker as well.
"The Eagles opened two spots on the practice squad Tuesday, releasing wide receiver Javon Baker and running back Audric Estime," Eagles team reporter Chris McPherson shared. "Baker was originally drafted by the Patriots in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Central Florida. He registered 117 catches for 2,051 yards and 13 touchdowns in his collegiate career, which included two seasons at Alabama.
"The 6-foot-1, 202-pound Baker played in 11 games (one start) as a rookie with New England, playing 90 total snaps on offense while also contributing as a kickoff returner on special teams."
The Eagles are moving on from Javon Baker
Baker is someone who was a target for Philadelphia after he hit the open market and landed on the practice squad, but didn't appear in a game with the team before his release.
Baker was a fourth-round pick by the New England Patriots in 2024 and played in 11 games last year. Baker had one catch on four targets last year with New England for 12 yards. Baker is just 23 years old and is a big play waiting to happen, as shown through his 1,139 yards on just 52 catches in his final season of college football in 2023 with UCF.
Philadelphia's passing offense has been an issue so far this season, but there is enough talent in the receiver room right now that it was hard to see Baker breaking through and getting time on the active roster. Philadelphia has A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Jahan Dotson, John Metchie III, and Xavier Gipson on the active roster right now. While this is the case, the Eagles currently are 29th in the NFL with 179.2 passing yards per game.
Baker has talent, but there isn't a lot of room in the receiver room right now. Because of this, the release makes sense. Now, it would make sense if the Eagles were to use that extra spot for a position of need, like the edge. The Eagles have already had questions at the edge this season and that was only amplified with the sudden retirement of Za'Darius Smith. The Eagles have been shuffling the practice squad throughout the season and now there's space after the Eagles moved on from Baker and Estime. There aren't a ton of options available, but there are guys like Eric Kendricks and Ja'Whaun Bentley available who could make some sense at this point in the season.
