George Pickens, Dallas Cowboys
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George Pickens #3 of the Dallas Cowboys participates in warmups prior to a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium on December 21, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The Dallas Cowboys entered the 2026 NFL offseason with an urgent situation revolving around the future of star wide receiver George Pickens.
After acquiring Pickens last offseason following the NFL Draft from the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Cowboys saw him turn into an instant star. He posted career-best numbers and was a legitimate No. 1 option for Dak Prescott alongside of CeeDee Lamb.
Pickens played in all 17 regular season games for Dallas. He racked up 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns.
Jerry Jones and the front office decided to place the non-exclusive franchise tag on Pickens. He could return for the 2026 season on that tag, but it also allows other teams to negotiate a potential offer sheet with the rising star wide receiver. No updates have been shared about the team’s interest in a long-term extension.
That being said, the Seattle Seahawks‘ massive deal with Jaxon Smith-Njigba could throw another wrench in the Cowboys’ plans for Pickens.
Dallas Cowboys Insider Offers Concerning George Pickens Update
Mike Fisher of Roundtable Sports has revealed that the Smith-Njigba deal, along with last offseason’s trade of Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers, could spell bad news for Dallas with Pickens.
“This wouldn’t be nearly as worrisome without the Micah thing,” Fisher said.