TL;DR
- George Pickens dominated the Raiders with 144 yards and a touchdown on nine catches.
- Pickens' exceptional play has made him a nightmare for opposing defenses all season.
- The Cowboys face a significant decision on whether to extend George Pickens' contract.
- Pickens is performing at a career-high level, potentially making him too expensive to retain.
The Dallas Cowboys' 33-16 win over the Las Vegas Raiders will be remembered as the George Pickens game.
After sitting the entire first offensive drive due to him and CeeDee Lamb "missing some things" according to head coach Brian Schottenheimer, when Pickens got onto the field, he was unguardable.
He posted 144 yards and a touchdown from nine catches, as the Cowboys got Pickens the ball on the move, and allowed No. 3 to get some big yards after the catch with the Raiders' defense powerless to stop him.
He did what he wanted, when he wanted, as Dak Prescott found him time and time again.
Former NFL scout Bryan Broaddus, on 105.3 The Fan, expressed his admiration for George's play.
"Whoever Pickens was on, and he's been that way all year, he's been a really difficult cover," Broaddus said on 105.3 The Fan. "They do a great job of moving him around, catching the ball on the move. I'll say this, I think Lamb has been good. I think Pickens has been better. And I say that with all respect, but you look at what George Pickens has done for your offense, he is a nightmare."
More: Cowboys' Brian Schottenheimer reveals why CeeDee Lamb/George Pickens were sidelined vs. Raiders
The Cowboys face a significant decision regarding Pickens.
As Pickens enters the last year of his initial contract, the Cowboys face a significant choice during the offseason.
Whether or not they extend him.
Reports suggest the Cowboys might use the franchise tag on him, currently valued at approximately $28 million for the 2026 season according to Over The Cap. Another option is a long-term deal, which would likely exceed $30 million annually based on his current performance.
George has undoubtedly been an excellent asset for Brian Schottenheimer, and with 908 yards and seven touchdowns already, Pickens is performing at a career-high level, potentially making himself too expensive for Dallas to retain as each week goes by.
Either way, the Cowboys have a big decision to make with No. 3.
More Cowboys news:
- Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and Raiders wide receiver George Pickens were sidelined for the initial drive of Monday Night Football against the Raiders.
- Cowboys honor Marshawn Kneeland with T-shirts, locker ahead of Raiders game
- Cowboys dominate Raiders in final score and results, marking their first game following Marshawn Kneeland's passing.
- Dak Prescott stats: Cowboys QB throws four touchdowns in blowout win over Raiders