“Hey look, GP loves it here. We love GP,” the head coach said Monday at the Annual League Meeting in Phoenix. “We have plans for GP to be here for a long time. So, we’ll let the business side of this thing play out and see where it goes.”

Pickens might sit out of offseason activities while awaiting a possible long-term deal. “We’re still a couple weeks away,” Schottenheimer also said of organized team activities. “It’s gonna play out how it plays out and again, it’s all voluntary. So we’ll see where it goes.”

Pickens and the rest of the franchise-tagged players have until July 15 to negotiate with their teams. These will be key moments to draw attention for both sides as they look ahead to the upcoming NFL season.

Pickens’ big 2025 with America’s Team

After being acquired from the Pittsburgh Steelers in May 2025, George Pickens enjoyed a career-defining breakout season with the Dallas Cowboys. He quickly became a favorite target for Dak Prescott, finishing the 2025 regular season with an impressive 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and 9 touchdowns in 17 games.

His explosive playmaking ability was on full display as he averaged 15.4 yards per catch, proving to be the elite deep threat Dallas needed to complement CeeDee Lamb. This dominant performance not only led to his first Pro Bowl selection but also solidified his status as one of the premier wide receivers in the league.

Major air weapons for Prescott

Undoubtedly, Dak Prescott can feel lucky. He has one of the most effective receiving corps in the league, as proven last season, throwing for 4,552 yards and finishing 3rd in this ranking, just behind Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff.

For 2026, this is the intriguing group of players who will be on the field and available for the Cowboys’ QB:

The Cowboys showcased one of the best offenses in the sport last year, and Pickens earned Second-Team All-Pro honors. Much of that success came from the connection between Prescott and Pickens. In a recent article from the Cowboys staff, Prescott was seen offering advice to Pickens about staying motivated after receiving a major payday.

“George loves football,” Prescott said. “That’s the one thing about it. I just want him to know, don’t change your love for football. Don’t get in the business mind of this. You played last year on a one year deal for not even that much, right? So, if you can go $30 million or whatever it is now, I think it’s the same thing I got when I was franchised, hey, go do it.

“At the end of the day, bet on yourself. He’s a hell of a player. Hopefully, we can get him long term and sign that but, if not, I think the way he plays the game, the person that he is, he’ll be just fine.”

Cowboys make decision on Pickens

One of those decisions involved what they would do with George Pickens, and they officially chose to place the franchise tag on him, according to ESPN’s Todd Archer. “The Dallas Cowboys will place the franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens today to secure his rights at least through 2026, according to sources. Fixed to adding today,” Archer wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

The Cowboys acquired Pickens in a trade last offseason, and the move proved to be a strong decision considering what they were able to do offensively. Dak Prescott had another reliable option in the passing game, and when CeeDee Lamb was injured, Pickens stepped up in his absence and delivered several important plays.

There is little doubt that Pickens deserves a long-term contract, but at this moment, it remains uncertain what the Cowboys ultimately plan to do. Placing the franchise tag on him shows that the Cowboys value him and want to retain him, but if he plays next NFL season under the tag and improves on his previous year, they may have to pay even more.

That move guarantees that the Cowboys retain Pickens’ rights and that the star cannot test free agency in the coming weeks. In addition, they are automatically obligated to pay him close to $28 million for the upcoming season as one of the top five players at the position. By the way, under this tag, Pickens can listen to offers, but Dallas will have the opportunity to match them. If that does not happen, the Cowboys would receive two first-round picks as compensation if the player leaves.

However, the announcement will not sit well in Pickens’ camp. The player is expecting a multi-year deal with a lot of guaranteed money. After proving with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas that he is one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, George will not want to earn less than names like Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, or CeeDee Lamb.

Will George Pickens sign a contract extension with Cowboys?

For now, George Pickens is not close to signing a contract extension at all with the Cowboys and, after the franchise tag is officially in place, the wide receiver is most likely to skip all offseason activities with the team as a form of protest if he is not given a major contract.

How much money does George Pickens want from Cowboys?

George Pickens will likely begin negotiations using CeeDee Lamb as a benchmark. His teammate signed a four-year, $136 million contract in 2024. It will be very difficult for him to accept anything less than that.

Furthermore, in a very important detail, Pickens’ agent also has Micah Parsons as a top client. We cannot forget that David Mulugheta had an extremely complicated negotiation with Jerry Jones that ended with the defensive star being traded to the Packers. In the wide receiver’s case, he will not back down either.

Money benchmark for George Pickens

For all practical purposes, Pickens and Mulugheta will take into account that Justin Jefferson earns $35 million annually and that Ja’Marr Chase reset the market with $40 million per season. Based on that, and considering the massive salary cap problems the Cowboys are dealing with, it appears it will be another controversial and lengthy offseason for Jones with one of his stars.

If Jerry wants to keep one of the best offenses in the NFL intact with Dak Prescott, Lamb, and Pickens, he will have to find a way to give the former Steelers player a contract extension.

“We want Pickens here,” Jones said to Judy Battista of NFL.com. Stephen Jones then expanded on his idea, saying the team thinks the “world of him.” Therefore, it’s time for the Cowboys to actually put the money where their mouth literally is and offer Pickens a contract.

Pickens had a massive year in 2025 so he might be expecting a heavy, heavy bag coming his way. In fact, he outshone team star CeeDee Lamb, which is no easy feat. Lamb also struggled with drops and injuries, while Pickens was a reliable target for Dak Prescott.

Pickens on the Cowboys is just perfect

The Cowboys are a pass-happy offense, and Pickens love his targets, even if he is the team’s “WR2” behind Lamb. Pickens had 1,429 yards with nine touchdowns, both career highs, and played all 17 games of the season. He had 93 receptions, which is a career-high as well. His next best number was 63… He improved incredibly. Pickens was a second-team All-Pro.

For instance, CeeDee Lamb, who played 14 games, had 1,077 yards and three touchdowns. His 76.9 yards per game didn’t reach Pickens’ 84.1, so Pickens might become the actual first choice on the Cowboys offense during the 2026 NFL season.

The Cowboys are starting to move

On Saturday, the Cowboys locked in running back Javonte Williams for the next three years. Hence, one could assume the Cowboys are getting an offer ready for Pickens. In the end, there are not other big names in risk of leaving the team.

RB Miles Sanders will become a free agent and is likely to seek new ways as Williams clearly was better. Other guys becoming unrestricted free agents are Jalen Tolbert, Jadeveon Clowney, and Donovan Wilson. None of these names are as big as Pickens, though Wilson has had quite a good stint on the roster, so Pickens should clearly be a priority.

“The Dallas Cowboys are expected to place their franchise tag on Pro Bowl wide receiver George Pickens, league sources told ESPN. The projected cost of the one-year, fully guaranteed franchise tag for Pickens will be roughly $28 million.”

Now, the next step for Jones is to try to negotiate a contract extension with Pickens so that the star remains with the Cowboys long term. Alongside Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, George is a cornerstone for being Super Bowl contenders.

George Pickens could be upset with Jerry Jones and Cowboys

George Pickens could become upset with Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys because, in any negotiation, the franchise tag is not player-friendly. In fact, it is seen as a measure to tie a star down and potentially hinder a long-term contract extension.

David Mulugheta, Pickens’ agent, already had friction with Jones while negotiating a new deal for Micah Parsons, and it all ended in a historic trade to the Packers. Now, the start with Pickens is not the best.

George Pickens’ contract extension with Cowboys

George Pickens will seek a contract extension with the Cowboys worth close to $35 million per season on a four-year deal. However, thanks to the franchise tag, Jerry Jones has all the leverage to drag things out and, if he chooses not to pay him, keep him on a one-year agreement under the tag. Instead of opting for an early extension, Jones has chosen more controversy in something that could impact their Super Bowl chances for 2026.

The possibility of acquiring Pickens involves significant sacrifice from a key Cowboys player from last season. Appearing on The Dan Patrick Show, CeeDee Lamb expressed his willingness to restructure his contract to facilitate a deal for Pickens, thereby aiding Jones in his quest to strengthen the team.

“I mean, if it’s necessary, honestly,” Lamb replied when asked about adjusting his contract to help financially secure Pickens’ place on the Cowboys. “I’m pretty good. But I know he’s gonna get every penny that he deserves here in Dallas.”

Lamb’s commitment and his remarks about Pickens underscore his dedication and work ethic, illustrating that he is prepared to do whatever it takes to support the Cowboys‘ success next season.

Why Pickens could be pivotal for the Cowboys

Pickens emerged as a vital substitute for Lamb during the regular season when injuries struck. After his trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pickens demonstrated his potential by posting impressive stats with the Cowboys.

He electrified fans with four standout moments in the regular season that offered a glimpse of playoff aspirations:

• Week 12 vs. Philadelphia Eagles: His standout performance of the year saw him record 146 receiving yards and a touchdown in a crucial divisional clash.
• Week 4 vs. Green Bay Packers: Pickens delivered his first multi-touchdown game for the Cowboys, racking up 134 yards and two touchdowns in a 40-40 shootout.
• The “High-Point” Catch: A viral 17-yard reception where he leapt to seize the ball at its highest point, showcasing his noteworthy vertical prowess.
• Week 16 vs. LA Chargers: A pivotal late-season showing where he amassed 130 yards and a touchdown, crucial for maintaining Dallas’ playoff positioning.

Jones’ vision for Pickens next season

Alongside Lamb’s statements about his willingness to aid in Pickens’ acquisition, Jones has already made a final decision regarding Pickens’ future with the Cowboys.

Securing Pickens would represent a strategic move by Jones to preserve a high-caliber player for the upcoming season, as the Cowboys’ fanbase eagerly awaits further roster enhancements to make a significant impact in the 2026-27 season.

“I’m talking to George all the time by virtue of my excitement for him He’s better than, as far as what he contributed to our team, showing the potential that he could contribute. I’m looking forward to getting things worked out so George can be a Cowboy a long time.”

The Cowboys’ offense looked impressive in the 2025 season with Pickens, Dak Prescott, and CeeDee Lamb. Because of that, the quarterback put pressure on Jones to sign George as soon as possible and ensure the same chemistry for 2026.

Will George Pickens sign contract extension with Cowboys?

George Pickens said that he would like to sign a contract extension, but that everything depends on the negotiations between his agent David Mulugheta, and Jerry Jones. “Just the ultimate best deal when it helps everybody. If it’s the best thing for both parties, then I’m willing to do anything. But like I said, I can’t control it, so I just kind of chill.”

Will George Pickens leave the Cowboys?

If Jerry Jones does not give George Pickens a contract extension, the wide receiver would become a free agent and generate a lot of interest around the NFL. However, Jones would also have the option of using the franchise tag on him.

By the way, during Super Bowl week, Micah Parsons hinted that he would try to convince Pickens to sign with the Packers. This was Jones’ response in an interview with Sports Illustrated. “We think a lot of George Pickens as well. I’m sure having played him, he thinks a lot of him as well. So, we’re really proud to have him as a Cowboy.”

However, if Jerry Jones wants to build a Super Bowl contender, he cannot fail and must secure a contract extension for Pickens. That was Prescott’s message to the controversial owner during an interview with Clarence Hill Jr.

“We’ve got to get one of our guys signed. The guy out here that doesn’t have a contract (George Pickens). So, I’ll leave it to those guys. Obviously, if I need to get involved, I will. But I’m confident in Jerry and everybody who makes those decisions and how much he means to us.”

George Pickens’ future with the Dallas Cowboys

George Pickens is set to become a free agent. A few months ago, when the Pittsburgh Steelers came to the conclusion that they did not want to pay him like a WR1, they decided to get something in return by trading him to Dallas.

Now, after an impressive 2025 season, the ball is in Jerry Jones’ court. The Cowboys could franchise-tag the wide receiver or offer him a contract extension that, according to the NFL market, would be around $35 million per year.

For Dak Prescott, it’s a no-brainer. Jones cannot let Pickens walk. “It’s credit to him. You get a guy like that and you’re just looking for help for CeeDee. He allows us to see we have two number ones. It was a blessing for us. It’s the main reason we got to keep him. He does more than just open it up for CeeDee. He’s a game changer himself. We’ve got to use that.”

Now, after Pickens’ numbers playing alongside Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, there is no room for hesitation for Jerry Jones. Either he pays him more than $35 million per season, or George will walk out the door as a free agent.

This scenario will lead Jones to once again face David Mulugheta, the agent with whom he had many issues while trying to secure a deal for Micah Parsons. A few months ago, the owner said he had a verbal agreement with the defensive star, but when Mulugheta saw that the terms were not favorable for his client, the negotiations fell apart and Jerry chose to send Micah to Green Bay.

George Pickens’ contract extension with Dallas Cowboys

During the Pro Bowl Games ahead of the Super Bowl, Micah Parsons and George Pickens were interviewed by Clarence Hill Jr. and DLLS Sports. This was the wide receiver’s response when he was asked if it was likely that the money Jerry Jones saved with Parsons would end up in Pickens’ pockets.

“I mean, it’s a possibility. Everything in life is a possibility. We definitely could have used Micah Parsons. We could have used his talents. He was in Dallas for a long time. He loved it. But all I can say it’s a very high possibility (Jones using Parsons’ money for him).”

The interesting part of the situation is whether Jones will be willing to give Pickens a better contract than CeeDee Lamb, who signed a four-year, $136 million deal in 2024. It does not seem likely that Mulugheta will accept less, and that could create major controversy inside the locker room.

Despite an up-and-down season the Cowboys got a pleasant surprise on their roster—one that, if a contract extension isn’t reached, could see him in another uniform in the near future. Who is this player? George Pickens.

The wide receiver joined America’s Team last season and quickly proved to be one of Prescott’s most targeted weapons through the air. For this reason, and amid uncertainty about his future, the quarterback has urged that everything possible be done to keep him.

“It doesn’t matter, whichever way that they got to do it, he’s an important piece of this offense, an important piece of what we’re trying to do,” the talented quarterback as reported by Jon Machota via X.

What is Pickens’ current situation?

After a historic breakout season with the Dallas Cowboys, George Pickens is currently slated to become an unrestricted free agent in March 2026. Despite racking up career-highs of 1,429 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2025, recent reports indicate that the Cowboys have not yet held formal contract talks with his representatives.

While owner Jerry Jones has expressed a strong desire to retain Pickens, stating he doesn’t envision a scenario where the receiver isn’t in Dallas, the team faces a complex financial situation with a projected $28.8 million franchise tag looming as a potential placeholder.

The 2026 offseason carries quiet significance. Several agreements near expiration, forcing internal evaluations that go beyond box scores. Roster stability, financial limits, and competitive urgency are starting to intersect at a pivotal moment.

Some of the names tied to those expiring deals have played visible roles in shaping recent seasons. Their uncertain futures point to broader decisions ahead, hinting that the Cowboys may soon face defining choices that extend well beyond a single year.

Cowboys 2026 free agents: Key contracts shaping Dallas’ next chapter

Dallas enters the latter half of the decade facing a familiar challenge: how to translate talent into sustained success while managing an increasingly complex financial picture.

The 2026 free-agent class underscores that tension, as several contracts near expiration during a period of heightened organizational pressure. One of the most notable names linked to that timeline is George Pickens.

Acquired to add explosiveness and edge to the Cowboys’ offense, Pickens represents both immediate impact and long-term uncertainty. His situation reflects a broader evaluation process, where upside must be weighed against consistency, fit and future cap commitments.

The team has historically leaned on star power, but recent seasons have emphasized the importance of depth and flexibility. Retaining key contributors without compromising roster balance remains a delicate act, especially as extensions elsewhere tighten available space and limit margin for error.