“It could become a Greek tragedy”: Mike Florio sounds alarm for Jerry Jones over George Pickens contract as Cowboys WR attracts negative spotlight

After three strong performances against the Raiders, Eagles and the Chiefs, George Pickens struggled in Dallas' 44-30 loss to the Lions on Thursday. The wide receiver recorded just five receptions for 37 yards on nine targets. It was his worst showing since Week 1 versus Philadelphia, where he caught three passes for 30 yards.

Prime Video analyst Richard Sherman questioned his effort and focus, noting that he looked uninterested in playing football. Pickens fired back at him on social media, making multiple remarks, including calling him a "leach weirdo."

NFL analyst Mike Florio shared his opinion on Pickens' behavior.

"The entire issue dredges up factors that made the Steelers willing to trade Pickens (whom they didn’t properly use) and pay market value to DK Metcalf (whom they don’t properly use): Accountability, or lack thereof; maturity, or lack thereof; self-awareness, or lack thereof, " Florio wrote on Friday, via Pro Football Talk.

"A massive contract gives the player who receives it power. The Cowboys need to be ready and willing to surrender so much authority to Pickens. Once Pickens get paid, it also could become a Greek tragedy."

Jerry Jones flipped a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-rounder to land Pickens from the Steelers in May. He has recorded 100+ yards in four games, and 78 receptions for 1,179 yards and eight touchdowns in 13 matchups.

Brian Schottenheimer on George Pickens' comments about Richard Sherman

Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer addressed the Richard Sherman and George Pickens saga during his Friday press conference.

“I’m aware of what was supposedly put out there,” Schottenheimer said. “I’ve not talked to him yet. I understand it’s been taken down, but I will be talking to him, just checking on him. Again, this is unfortunately things that we deal with in this profession. But I have not spoken to him, but I will.”

Dallas (6-6) saw its three-game winning streak snapped by Detroit and has its back against the wall to make the postseason. The Cowboys have four games left and must also decide if they'll let Pickens walk in free agency or hand him a franchise tag.