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Cowboys HC Brian Schottenheimer takes strong stance on George Pickens staying in Dallas long-term

IMG_0985by: Griffin McVeigh2 hours agogriffin_mcveigh
Dak Prescott George Pickens
Oct 12, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) celebrates with quarterback Dak Prescott (4) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

George Pickens began Monday night with some controversy surrounding his name, getting benched for the first drive alongside CeeDee Lamb. He turned into the offensive hero, putting together another great performance. Nine receptions turned into 144 yards and a touchdown, bringing even more questions about the future.

Free agency is looming for Pickens, who could be set up for a nice payday. Plenty in Dallas have already begun the campaign to keep him with the Cowboys instead of watching him walk. You can add head coach Brian Schottenheimer to the list now, speaking on the matter on Tuesday.

“Sign me up,” Schottenheimer said via The Athletic‘s Jon Machota on Pickens remaining in Dallas. “… I love the firepower that (he and CeeDee) give us. I pinch myself at times (calling plays). … I’m very in favor of George having a long-term future with us in Dallas.”

When the Cowboys traded away a third-round pick for Pickens, the hope was he would be a nice complementary piece for Lamb. Instead, he has looked like the main guy at times with quarterback Dak Prescott. Pickens leads the team with 908 yards on 58 receptions — only tight end Jake Ferguson has more catches. In fairness, Lamb did miss three games due to an ankle injury.

From a football standpoint, everything about the Cowboys and Pickens makes sense. It’s easy enough to see after just nine games. However, the financials potentially pose a problem moving forward. Contract negotiations are nothing new with owner/general manager Jerry Jones either.

Even Troy Aikman expressed some concern when commentating Monday Night Football. He noted the large contract Pickens will require, something the Cowboys will pair with Lamb.

“It is going to be interesting to see what happens to him at the end of this year,” Aikman said. “That would be a lot of money tied up at the wide receiver position and, of course, what they’re paying Dak Prescott. But I know they’d like to keep him.”

Joe Buck then brought up the Cincinnati Bengals, who did something similar recently. Quarterback Joe Burrow is on a big deal, as are wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Now, the Bengals hold one of the NFL’s worst defenses — something the Cowboys suffered through earlier this season.

But whether or not he views it as a risk, Schottenheimer wants Pickens on the roster. An early message sent in what could be a long-winded negotiation this offseason.