Cowboys' George Pickens Says He's Focused on Building Winning Culture, Not Contract

For a young player like George Pickens, securing a lucrative contract is always a goal, but the new Dallas Cowboys wide receiver said his main focus is elsewhere.

"I'm not thinking about contract talk," Pickens told reporters on Thursday. "I'm worried about coming here and trying to help build a winning culture."

Pickens, who spent the first three seasons of his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, was traded to the Cowboys on Wednesday along with a 2026 sixth-round pick. The Steelers got a 2026 third-rounder and a 2027 fifth-rounder in return.

Pickens is entering the final year of his rookie contract but is reportedly not seeking an extension before the start of the season, per Clarence Hill Jr. of All City DLLS. Instead, he "wants to show he's a top guy this year."

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, "the Cowboys' plan is for Pickens to play out his rookie deal."

Pickens appeared on his way to being a top receiver in the league after the 2023 season saw him rack up 1,140 receiving yards and five touchdowns, but he took a step back last year, recording 900 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games.

Pickens was the leading receiver in Pittsburgh, but he may not play as big of a role in Dallas since the Cowboys already have a star in CeeDee Lamb. Still, he can prove himself worthy of a big contract by serving as a nice complement to Lamb.

But his first priority is helping Dallas get back to the postseason after missing the playoffs a year ago.

Things will look much different for the Cowboys in 2025 with a new head coach in Brian Schottenheimer, but talent like Pickens, Lamb and Dak Prescott on offense, plus a defensive star in Micah Parsons, means Dallas has all the makings of a playoff team.