STWF Sports | Dallas | Dec. 10, 2025 – concern can spread fast, especially when a marquee player delivers his worst outing of the season during a critical December game. But Cowboys owner Jerry Jones—never one to shy away from public confidence—made it clear this week that he has zero doubts about wide receiver George Pickens, despite a rough performance in the 44–30 loss to the Detroit Lions.

Pickens, who has been one of the breakout stars of the 2025 season, struggled mightily against Detroit’s secondary. Targeted nine times, he recorded just five catches for 37 yards, averaging a season-low 4.1 yards per target. Even more concerning to fans was the perceived lack of urgency and effort, something that former All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman pointed out during Thursday Night Football.

“George Pickens… just looked uninterested in playing football,” Sherman said. “You can’t be the guy and half-a* it.”*

Given Pickens’ turbulent ending in Pittsburgh—with questions about his temperament and consistency—Cowboys fans were quick to wonder if those issues were resurfacing. But Jones, who controls every facet of the franchise as owner, GM, and team president, wasted no time pushing back on that narrative.

Jones: “I Don’t Have Those Concerns at All”

Speaking on 105.3 The Fan, the 82-year-old owner—whose net worth sits at $21.3 billion—offered a full-throated endorsement of his young star.

“I like what George Pickens has done all year,” Jones said. “I don’t have the concern that others debate about. I don’t have that kind of concern about him as far as his competing and helping us win football games on the field, at all.”

Jones’ public backing is notable. Dallas is fighting to stay alive in the playoff race, and the last thing the organization needs is a fractured locker room or a crisis of confidence for its top offensive weapons.

Career Year Overshadowed by One Bad Game

For all the noise this week, Pickens is enjoying a career season in his first year with Dallas.

• 78 receptions

• 1,179 yards

• 8 touchdowns

All rank inside the top ten among NFL wide receivers. That output has made Pickens one of the biggest bargains in football: he’s earning just $3.6 million in the final year of his rookie deal—nearly $25 million less than Titans wideout Calvin Ridley, who has only 303 receiving yards this season.

Not surprisingly, Pickens is poised to become one of the hottest names on the free-agent market. Estimates suggest he could command over $130 million on his next contract.

But Jones made something else very clear: Dallas does not plan on letting him walk.

“No, I Do Not” — Jones on Losing Pickens

When asked if he could imagine Pickens playing elsewhere next season, Jones responded bluntly:

“No, I do not at this time.”

Jones praised the team’s offensive foundation—Dak Prescott playing his best football, CeeDee Lamb performing at an All-Pro level, and a receiving room loaded with explosive options.

“We’ve got two No. 1 receivers and that’s just exceptional,” Jones added. “There’s more there.”

Dallas believes Pickens’ down game was a blip, not a trend.

Cowboys Need Pickens in Week 15 and Beyond

At 6-6-1, the Cowboys remain within striking distance of the NFC East title, especially after Jalen Hurts’ turnover-filled meltdown last week. But Dallas cannot afford another inconsistent offensive showing.

They host the Minnesota Vikings in Week 15, a game that could determine whether they enter the playoffs with momentum or fall further behind in the wild card race.

Jones ended his interview with a message of faith—one meant as much for fans as for Pickens himself:

“Pickens brings everything to the table. He brings enough pluses to live with this criticism. The question is: does he compete? A-triple-plus.”

In a Cowboys season defined by unpredictability, one thing is now certain—Jerry Jones is all-in on George Pickens, and he expects his young star to silence the critics when it matters most.