The Dallas Cowboys offense is loaded with firepower, but the defense? Well, that’s a whole different story. CeeDee Lamb and Goergre Pickens are complementing each other on the field, with Lamb being listed as one of the top wide receivers in the league and Pickens making his place in the top 10. With such an impressive resume for a potential contract extension, long-term talks around Pickens can take a backseat to what’s becoming an urgent call for a defensive rebuild for the top decision-makers.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones didn’t mince words when discussing the team’s approach ahead of the NFL trade deadline. “Well, if there is a trade that would help the defense, we’re in position to make that trade,” Jones said, signaling that defensive reinforcements remain a priority.

With the deadline fast approaching, analysts are beginning to echo that sentiment. Dallas Morning News reporter Joe Hoyt, speaking on 105.3 The Fan, emphasized that the Cowboys’ offseason focus should also center on rebuilding the defense. “I think honestly, in terms of priorities, they’re going to have to overhaul the defense,” Hoyt said. “That’s where your high draft picks should go.”

“It depends on where the Cowboys end up, but I think that there are some linebackers in this class that could be immediate impact kind of guys for this defense.” He emphasized the importance of taking into consideration and directly addressing the defensive issues that have plagued the Cowboys this season.

The Cowboys (2-3-1) have glaring defensive issues, ranking last in the NFL in total yards allowed (2,470) and 31st in scoring defense, surrendering 30.7 points per game. According to Stathead, Dallas is one of just two teams, alongside the Baltimore Ravens, to have allowed 30 or more points in four games this season, giving up an average of 29.7 points per contest.

The Cowboys’ defensive struggles extend across every level, but their pass defense has been especially alarming, allowing a league-high 1,617 yards through the air. The run defense hasn’t fared much better, surrendering 853 yards, 29th in the NFL. What’s most concerning, however, is the play of their linebackers. According to Pro Football Focus, three of the league’s worst stop rates in run defense belong to Cowboys linebackers, highlighting a glaring weakness in the middle of the field. To make matters worse, Jack Sanborn ranks eighth in missed tackles, underscoring the unit’s ongoing tackling and consistency issues.

For Jerry Jones, the immediate priority is shoring up the Cowboys’ defense before the November 4th trade deadline. Into the offseason, defensive reinforcements will remain the focal point, with attention on contract extension likely taking a back seat. That situation could also shift, as Pickens becomes a free agent after this season, potentially changing the team’s approach.

Jones on George Pickens’ Future

Pickens, who had been brilliant in his passing and running game with placed at the top spot on the podium for a wide receiver with 6 touchdowns and 4th at yards covered (525 yards), has built an impressive resume. Pickens addressed his impending free agency with reporters, leaving his options open while hinting at both staying and exploring other opportunities. “I wouldn’t mind it,” he said, referencing the Cowboys. “The guys in the locker room are super cool, the energy is great. I always want to showcase my talents.”

Jerry Jones now has to decide whether the Cowboys will offer Pickens a contract extension or let him test free agency. “He is doing more than we could have expected,” Jones said. “What’s really special is that he’s a real plus to have around the team. He’s a real plus around his teammates. He’s a great plus around those coaches. Those coaches really think highly of him. So, he’s not only doing it on the field, he’s also doing it as a part of the team concept. That’s very important and, in his particular case, it should be noted. We’ll weigh that.”

So if the Cowboys end up doing well this season, Jones would not mind extending his contract. But the contract value might be an issue.

Another major hurdle for Jones is George Pickens’ agent, David Mulugheta, who also represented Micah Parsons. Mulugheta is expected to push for a deal on par with other elite and top-earning wideouts like CeeDee Lamb, Justin Jefferson, and Ja’Marr Chase. But Jones has to worry about the money even if he doesn’t want to. “We knew full well that if things really went like we want them to go, certainly we need to think about having some room available if we’re going to pay a second receiver at that level,” Jones said.

Jones was hinting at the finances. The Cowbys will end up having 2 receivers earning $35 million per season and an expensive quarterback earning $60 million annually.  This means a major cap hit, and maintaining the roster will be difficult. Only time will tell what Jones ends up doing. Case in point, Parsosns’ trade.

With that being said, Lamb is back from the injury, and the offense is clicking under Dak Prescott. The Cowboys now need to find the breathing room for the defense, which has just managed 11 sacks so far with an inconsistent secondary. All these aspects could allow them to put any long-term decisions on George Pickens on hold for now.