NFL fans warn Cowboys over extending George Pickens’ contract after WR’s old bad habits take spotlight vs. Lions

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens is nearing the end of his rookie contract. He’s scheduled to hit free agency after the 2025 season, and based on his outstanding production this year, he’ll likely be stuck with a big contract.

The former Pittsburgh Steelers draft pick has blossomed in his first season with Dallas, where he has already set career highs with 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns. However, Thursday night’s performance was a reminder of why the Cowboys might be wary about giving him a huge long-term deal.

The 24-year-old finished the Cowboys’ 44-30 loss to Detroit Lions Thursday with five catches for 37 yards. While this stat line falls short of what Cowboys fans have come to expect from Pickens this season, the more troubling issue is his apparent lack of effort on multiple plays and general appearance of disinterest throughout the game.

These were some of the same concerns that played a role in Pittsburgh’s decision to part ways with him, and now many NFL fans are urging the Cowboys to heed these warning signs ahead of future contract talks:

“Pickens is lazy. He shouldn’t get a contract. Tonight is a huge red flag. The laziness was unbelievable. Tag him and trade him,” one fan said. He said.

“Can you really trust Pickens, to sign him to a big contract, when he’s put in an effort like that in a proving year? If you try to franchise him, he’ll hold out and create a circus at the start of next season. The Cowboys are in a tough spot,” another fan said. He said.

“Big offense spent almost $100 million on players which means the other $179 has to be split between 51 plus players and you want to keep Pickens for $30 plus next year? The math doesn’t work,” one fan wrote. He said.

Here are some additional reactions from fans.

“I would like to trade Bland and Pickens. Will the Pickens you saw last night be the person you want to give 100 million to?” Single fan He said.

“Dallas lost because they never showed up to this game! Lamb was injured and Pickens quit every way he ran,” another fan wrote He said.

“Too many mistakes on offense. Pickens’ body language and effort were terrible tonight. OTs were a big problem. Shotty’s game is too conservative,” one fan wrote. He said.

Pickens will make $3.65 million this season while wrapping up the final year of his four-year, $6.7 million rookie contract. If the Cowboys hope to keep him in Dallas, they will need to either work out a long-term extension or apply the franchise tag for the 2026 season.

According to Spotrac, the former second-round pick is expected to receive a four-year deal worth $125 million, averaging $31.2 million per season.

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Richard Sherman calls out George Pickens for his weak efforts against the Lions

the Dallas CowboysThe loss to the Detroit Lions on Thursday was tough for fans. The team entered the game on a three-game winning streak looking to get back into the NFC playoff race, but consistent performance across the board now leaves them needing a miracle to reach the postseason.

One player who is under heavy criticism after the loss is wide receiver George Pickens. He was highlighted during post-game analysis by former NFL star Richard Sherman.

“The big story here is George Pickens. Throughout the game, especially late, he seemed disinterested,” Sherman said. “And that’s something you can’t have if you want to be a star, if you want to be the best receiver in the NFL. You can never disengage. You can’t disappear in these games or you won’t have an impact.”

“You’re the man. CeeDee Lamb is out. It’s unacceptable. If you’re the Dallas Cowboys and you’re thinking about paying him big money, $40 million, you have to look at this tape and ask, ‘Is this a guy we can trust?'” I don’t know.

There’s no denying George Pickens’ ability, but as Sherman and many analysts have pointed out since Thursday night’s performance, doubts about his consistency and focus remain.