Dallas Cowboys. How Brian Schottenheimer nearly joining the Jets could have altered his Dallas Cowboys tenure
The Cowboys' owner and general manager has money available to strengthen his roster. One of his immediate considerations is whether to reward wide receiver George Pickens, who has emerged as a growing presence in the offense during the absence of CeeDee Lamb.
Pickens began the season slowly, but Lamb's injury forced him into a leading role in the passing game, where he has delivered encouraging performances in recent weeks. His progress has not gone unnoticed by Jones, who is reportedly considering a substantial salary increase for the young receiver. The timing is particularly important, as the Cowboys look to maximize production while Lamb recovers.
Former Cowboys wideout Patrick Crayton offered a perspective on Pickens' opportunity during a recent episode of the Cowboys and Chill show.
You got a chance to go from that 20 to 25. You can earn another 5 million per year in these next three weeks man, He's got another what three weeks before CeeDee comes back?
Crayton observed, suggesting that Pickens has a critical window to secure long-term financial rewards.
The most productive year of Pickens' career came in 2023 as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers, when he recorded 63 receptions for 1,140 yards and five touchdowns.
That performance established him as a dynamic receiver with big-play potential, but his role in Dallas has grown significantly more prominent in Lamb's absence. Jones himself praised Pickens after the Cowboys' wild 40-40 tie against the Packers last weekend.
He's an exemplary teammate. He's exemplary in his work preparation. You can see the results of that out there Sunday," Jones said, highlighting both the player's character and his recent production.
Analyst Clarence Thomas speculated on Jones' contractual options, noting that the Cowboys still hold leverage.
Jerry still holds the right, though. He can franchise tag him," Thomas explained. He further suggested that Jones might be preparing to offer Pickens an extension worth around $30 million next year. "When you get a franchise, a little cap from day one at $35 million takes everything because it's one year, $35-30 million.
He added.
The departure of Parsons provided Dallas with financial flexibility to pursue roster improvements. Jones confirmed that the organization's current structure allows it to act more aggressively than in previous years. "I'm proud to tell you that we've got some outstanding structure in our cap space that will allow us to do a lot of things that I didn't think (we could) at this time last year. ... We got it. We paid a price for it. ... We can do it now.
Jones said.
For the Cowboys, the urgency is clear. The franchise has not reached even the NFC Championship Game in nearly two decades. For Jones, Pickens' progress and the team's new financial freedom represent both an opportunity and a risk as he looks to end that long drought.