Jerry Jones has made headlines with the Micah Parsons trade this season, which ripped away the leadership in the defense. And now, with the trade deadline approaching in two weeks and George Pickens at the end of his tenure. The question of an extension has surfaced.

According to Jon Machota of The Athletic, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, when asked on 105.3 The Fan, about getting a deal done right now with George Pickens. “There’s no reason not to, (and) there’s no reason to.” Jerry Jones said, “I can’t give you a why-not, other than the timing might not be good for any of the parties involved. And that has many, many reasons, not only from the player’s perspective but from the club’s perspective. You’re asking that question that I’ve had asked a million times in my life, by my momma, by my wife: ‘Why did you do it?’ Hell, I don’t know why I did it. I was just there.”

Looks like Pickens’ contract extension is going down the same path as Parsons’. With Parsons entering the final year of his rookie contract under the fifth-year option, both sides spent the spring offering cautious optimism about a possible extension. While most teams would have locked up a star of his caliber after Year 3, Jerry Jones took a different approach, pointing out that Parsons had missed six games, though it was actually four. Days later, Parsons publicly requested a trade, citing Jones’ comments and the team’s attempt to negotiate without his agent, something Jones didn’t deny.

With Pickens’ contract approaching, Jerry Jones appears to be taking a similar wait-and-see approach as he did with Parsons. Whether it will end up like Parsons’ situation remains uncertain. One factor to note is that Pickens shares the same agent as Parsons, David Mulugheta, adding another layer of intrigue. How the negotiations will unfold is anyone’s guess.

The wide receiver unit is just settling after CeeDee Lamb’s return. The prospects of the restructure do not look good for the Cowboys. Pickens has also demonstrated on the field by ranking fourth in the NFL in receiving yards with 607. And tied for second in receiving touchdowns of 6 this season. Looks like Jones has made up his mind.

Jonathan Mingo, George Pickens, and CeeDee Lamb are flanking the field with Dak Prescott this week. The equation could not get any better in the depth of the offense as the team ranks first with 390.6 yards per game. This week’s game against the Broncos could display the impact of the secondary receiver. The dynamic offense of the Cowboys seems stable. Unlike the void Parsons trade left in the defense.

Micah Parsons’ trade a defensive setback

The Dallas Cowboys’ defense took a major hit after trading their most dynamic pass rusher. Parsons’ exit left a visible gap in both leadership and production. And with Trevon Diggs out for concussion protocol after an accident at his home, the defense remains exposed.

Jerry Jones stated, “I don’t know the status of Diggs as we move forward, but I feel better about being able to play if we don’t have him out there.”

Trevon Diggs anchored the secondary, but after Parsons’ trade, additional pressure mounted. Without consistent front-line disruption coverage, windows widen. The defense ranks 32nd in the league as of week 7, with 401.6 yards allowed per game, and in pass defense with 260.3 yards allowed per game. The rush defense stands at 141.3 yards allowed per game. The unit ranks at the bottom with points allowed, giving up 29.4 points per game.

Without Parsons, the Cowboys’ blitz efficiency has dropped from 34% to 21%, and opponents have converted 46% of third downs. The defense has undeniably been put to the test this season. As they face the Denver Broncos in their next match, the defense will really be tested. The Broncos rank third as one of the best defenses this season, allowing only 273.1 yards per game.

With Jerry Jones being optimistic about the season, a possible trade on the defense could improve the numbers.