The Dallas Cowboys traded for wide receiver George Pickens last offseason from the Pittsburgh Steelers. It was a good move for this offense because they were able to score points at will during the 2025 NFL season. Dallas finished with a 7-9-1 record. The Cowboys are planning to franchise tag wide receiver George Pickens, but there are questions about whether or not they should give him a long-term deal or not.
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Jan 4, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) runs after making a catch as New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks (2) defends during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Dallas probably should sign him to a long-term deal because he fits so well in this offense. If they did decide to trade him, it would probably be a mistake for the Cowboys. Even if they don’t sign him to a long-term deal now, it is better to have him on the roster for the 2026 NFL season than not having him around.
NFL Analyst Questions Whether or Not George Pickens Will Get a Long-Term Deal Done
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Dec 25, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders cornerback Noah Igbinoghene (6) breaks up a touchdown pass intended for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) in the second quarter at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Zachary Pereles of CBS Sports wonders if Pickens is going to a long-term deal done with the Cowboys this offseason or not. Pereles said,
“George Pickens is coming off a magnificent season (93 catches, 1,429 yards, nine touchdowns) and just turned 25 years old. That makes him a prime candidate to get a long-term deal done to remain a pillar of theCowboys‘ offense alongsideDak Prescott andCeeDee Lamb.
But it hasn’t come to fruition yet. In early February, Pickens said he’d love to stay in Dallas but wanted the“ultimate best deal”that made sense for both sides. It didn’t happen, and hereceived the franchise tag.
The Cowboys and Pickens have until July 15 to try to work out a new deal, and given Jerry Jones’ lack of urgency, historically, to get big deals done, perhaps it’s wisest to assume Pickens will play on the tag, or the Cowboys will drag this out right up to the deadline.
But maybe, finally, Jones is a little bit more proactive. He’s 83 years old, and in December, he admitted his management“has played a big role”in the franchise’s 30-year Super Bowl drought. The Cowboys have two first-round picks. There’s a chance they could make a jump, but only if Pickens is along for the ride.
Brian Schottenheimer said he’s unsure if Pickens will attend offseason workoutsabsent a new deal. If Jones and the Cowboys really want to have their best shot at a Super Bowl this coming season, they’ll get a deal done.”
Pereles made some good points here about Pickens. He probably could get the same amount of money that Tee Higgins of the Cincinnati Bengals has. Dallas needs Pickens more than he needs them. He could have better options elsewhere if he is not with the Cowboys next season if a long-term deal can’t get reached.
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