Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is making his feelings known amid the George Pickens contract situation.
The Cowboys and their prized wide receiver could not agree on a long-term deal this offseason. Pickens signed his franchise tag on April 29, locking in $27.3 million fully guaranteed for 2026. It ranks as the sixth-highest cap number at the position this season.
Trade rumors surfaced in thewake of the standoff, but Cowboys CEO Stephen Jones shut them down quickly. He made it clear that the team has no plans to move Pickens.
The Pro Bowler will have another shot at a long-term deal when the 2027 offseason arrives. In the meantime, Prescott is focused on football. Pickens’ presence at the mandatory minicamp gave him plenty of reason to feel good.
“It’s great. You feel his energy. You feel his presence,” Prescott said of Pickens, via The Athletic’s John Machota. “It’s in the locker room. Obviously it’s out there on the football field. Everything felt good. He looks great. I know he’s going to be ready for (training) camp. The excitement, you can feel it.”
Dallas receiver George Pickens during NFC practice at the NFL Flag Fieldhouse.
Dak Prescott Stresses George Pickens’ Importance to the Cowboys
Dallas acquired Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers ahead of the 2025 season. They sent a third-round pick in 2026 and a fifth-round pick in 2027 in exchange for the athletic wideout. The move paid immediate dividends.
Playing alongside Prescott unlocked a new level for Pickens. He set career highs across the board. He had 93 receptions, 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns while averaging nearly 16 yards per catch. Dallas led the NFL in passing in 2025. Pickens earned his first Pro Bowl selection.
Prescott left no doubt about what hisreceiver brings to the table.
“That guy makes it easy,” Prescott added. “You see us just in routes on air out there, but you just go turn on the tape, that guy is going to get separation. He’s just different. He understands his leverage. He understands his routes. He understands where I’m looking for him at the catch point, the depth.”
Prescott is not losing sleep over the contract noise. The work they put in together during minicamp only added to his confidence heading into training camp.
“So, yeah (throwing over the next five weeks) is going to be a beneficial time. It’s going to be great. But we can go throw a lot of touchdowns right now. That guy’s ready,” Prescott stated.