The Dallas Cowboys have a big decision to make with George Pickens this offseason.
Pickens, traded from Pittsburgh to Dallas last offseason, is a free agent. The Cowboys are expected to either hit Pickens with the Franchise Tag, or sign him to a longterm contract. It's possible a Franchise Tag could lead to a longterm contract, too.
The former Steelers wide receiver had a career year in Dallas. He caught 93 passes for 1,429 yards and 9 touchdowns. He and CeeDee Lamb formed what was arguably the best wide receivers duo in the league.
But Pickens has been known for being somewhat of a dramatic figure. It's what led the Steelers - and Mike Tomlin - to trading him. Did issues persist in Dallas?
Nov 17, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
According to a report from ESPN, the Cowboys did have issues with Pickens during the 2025 NFL season.
Pickens was reportedly fined at least once.
"The questions about him in Pittsburgh -- maturity, timeliness -- weren't as much of a problem for the Cowboys. That doesn't mean those issues disappeared when he arrived in Dallas. Coach Brian Schottenheimer alluded to Pickens still being late to things, and multiple sources said Pickens was fined during the season," ESPN's Todd Archer reported.
The Cowboys had issues with Pickens, but they shouldn't be too big of a deal
As Pro Football Talk writes, the Cowboys had issues with Pickens.
"One issue came to light during the season. Pickens and receiver CeeDee Lamb were benched early in a Monday night game at the Raiders. Owner Jerry Jones later said that Pickens missed a team bus. (It wasn't disclosed whether Pickens was fined for that, too)," he wrote.
"Did it really matter? Pickens's performance in that same game (despite missing the opening series) prompted Jones to praise Pickens."
The only thing that really matters when it comes to Pickens is if he can consistently produce on the field.
If he can do that, he'll be loved in Dallas.
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