Locked On Cowboys (Oct 14, 2025)

Episode: George Pickens PROVES He Can Be No. 1 WR | Should Cowboys EXTEND Him Right Now?

Hosts: Marcus Mosher & Landon McCool
Podcast Network: Locked On Podcast Network

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode focuses on the meteoric rise of WR George Pickens in the absence of CeeDee Lamb, the question of an immediate contract extension for Pickens, and a brutally honest analysis of the Cowboys’ defensive woes following their unsatisfying performance against the Panthers. The hosts evaluate both the highs (Pickens’ breakout) and lows (struggling defense, underwhelming second-round picks) as the Cowboys approach a pivotal juncture in the season.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. George Pickens’ Emergence as a True No. 1 Receiver

• Pickens by the Numbers:

  • Over the last three games with Lamb out:
    • 359 yards, 26 targets, multiple touchdowns (03:50)
    • Consistent and efficient: “He’s being everything you could ever hope you would get when you traded for him.” – Marcus (03:50)
  • Record breaking stretch: Most touchdowns over first six games as a Cowboy (04:21)

• Steps Taken & Maturity:

  • Landon and Marcus highlight Pickens’ ability to meet every challenge:
    • “Can he go out there and produce as a number two? ... Oh, yeah, he’s doing pretty good at that.”
    • “Can you now produce as a number one wide receiver? ... And he clears that bar so crazily well.” – Landon (03:02)
  • Praise for emotional control and demeanor given past concerns.

• Quarterback Chemistry:

  • Dak’s chemistry with Pickens is forming well, especially during Lamb’s absence: "Seeing how Dak has reacted... having a guy like Pickens having that type of receiver...it makes it worth it to me." – Landon (05:10)

Notable Quote:

“He’s everything you hoped he would be. Like, he’s putting up numbers at a rate that is record breaking for the Cowboys, if I’m not mistaken.” – Landon (04:03)

2. The Contract Extension Debate

• Extend Now, Franchise Tag, or Trade High?
  • Landon leans strongly toward a long-term deal given production and impact: “At this point ... you feel like you’ve got something here.”
  • Marcus highlights the need to keep Pickens motivated, suggests a franchise tag as a middle ground: “I wouldn’t be opposed to signing him to a long-term deal, but I also won’t be surprised if the Cowboys franchise tag him ... maybe that’s just the best way forward.” (06:16)
  • $27M tag estimate; likely contract figure discussed as $24–25M/year (07:22)

Notable Quote:

“24, 25 [million]. If that’s the number, then I would just sign him.” – Marcus (07:59)

• Wide Receiver Room Outlook:
  • Hosts emphasize the depth and promise of the WR group: Lamb, Pickens, Flournoy, Turpin, Mingo (08:31)
  • “Maybe you feel like, okay, we have our wide receiver core set for the next two or three years, we don't need to invest any more picks in that position.” – Marcus (08:43)

3. Cowboys’ Draft/Team-Building Implications

• Offensive Needs:
  • With WR and most offensive positions solidified, focus shifts to finding a running back (09:34)
  • Landon: “Wide receiver is a spot that if you wanted to, you know, finish it up right now really lets you focus on the defensive side of the ball, which is where we need a lot of help.” (09:38)

4. Analyzing the Defense: Frustration, Causes, and (Lack of) Solutions

What’s Gone Wrong? (12:20+)

• Multiplicity of Issues:

  • Landon: “The biggest issue with this defense is that there isn’t one issue. ... It’s a multi-faceted issue—all of which surprised you.” (12:32)
  • Problems in both personnel and scheme; lack of confidence in current Defensive Coordinator Matt Eberflus.
  • Marcus: “I don’t see that kind of optimism here about their defense ... number one, the talent’s not as good. And I just don’t believe in the coaching staff as much.” (14:14)

• No Quick Fixes:

  • Constant coordinator turnover leaves system and players in flux.
  • Landon: “...whoever you hired would have been Cowboys, what, fifth or sixth defensive coordinator in four or five years. That’s ultimately the issue—you keep turning over the spot.” (16:25)

Notable Quote:

“You kind of need to change everything. But changing everything constantly has also been part of the issue. So you really feel like you’re screwed if you do and you’re screwed if you don’t.” – Landon (16:21)

• No Magic Trade:
  • Even a “big name” addition (e.g., Myles Garrett) is acknowledged as unlikely and not a cure-all.
  • “You could bring in one big name ... it’s not going to solve all your issues. You’re only as good as your two or three worst players.” – Marcus (17:27)

Defensive Personnel Spotlights: Second Round Defensive Ends (22:32+)

• Donovan Ezraku: Most encouraging; emerging as a solid pass rush specialist, still limited vs run (22:32)
• Marsha Nealon: Underwhelming development, possible victim of coaching/scheme instability, playing hesitantly (25:44)
• Sam Williams: Playing style too undisciplined, flashes don’t outweigh negatives (27:16)
• “That’s been the case for Sam Williams for a while now ... those are three second round picks that you’re just not getting enough out of. And that’s why we’re here.” – Marcus (27:48)

5. Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• On Pickens becoming a legitimate WR1:
  “He’s everything you hoped he would be.” – Landon (04:03)
• On contract urgency:
  “24, 25 [million]. If that’s the number, then I would just sign him. … Pretty good for the Cowboys.” – Marcus (07:59)
• Defensive frustration:
  “You kind of need to change everything. But changing everything constantly has also been part of the issue.” – Landon (16:21)
• On failed second-rounders:
  “...those are three second round picks that you’re just not getting enough out of. And that’s why we’re here.” – Marcus (27:48)

Structure & Flow: Important Segments with Timestamps

• George Pickens’ recent stats, role, and mentality:
  02:07–05:10
• Should the Cowboys extend Pickens? Contract value analysis:
  06:16–08:31
• WR depth and offensive priorities going forward:
  08:31–09:55
• Defensive woes—causes, coaching carousel, and philosophy:
  12:20–18:53
• Spotlight on 2nd round defensive ends (Ezraku, Nealon, Sam Williams):
  22:32–27:48

Takeaways for Listeners

• George Pickens has exceeded expectations, making a compelling case for a hefty extension and reshaping Cowboys’ WR strategy.
• Contract discussion revolves around immediate vs. tagged extension, with $24-27M/year as the consensus sweet spot.
• Defensive problems are layered, without a single fix—coaching instability poses a major long-term challenge.
• Recent high draft picks on defense, especially at DE, have yet to deliver on investment, amplifying the sense of organizational urgency and frustration.

This episode is an engaging blend of optimism (Pickens) and realism (defensive woes), with the hosts providing thoughtful, data-rich commentary and a healthy dose of passionate Cowboys fandom.