The Cowboys have had their share of ups and downs this season, but wide receiver George Pickens—who joined from the Steelers in the offseason—hasn’t been the issue.
It’s no surprise that the Cowboys are keen on retaining Pickens, who’s just 24 and has already notched up 58 receptions, 908 yards, and seven touchdowns in his first ten games with the team. There’s a possibility he could hit free agency next year.
According to NFL Network, the Cowboys are exploring ways to secure a new contract for Pickens that could extend into 2026 and beyond, provided they can manage his salary within their cap constraints.
Drafted by the Steelers in the second round back in 2022, Pickens was shipped to Dallas along with a 2027 sixth-round pick in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick.
Currently, he’s in the last year of his rookie deal and will become a free agent unless the Cowboys either give him a new contract or tag him with the franchise designation.
During negotiations, it wouldn’t be surprising for Pickens to use Cincinnati’s Ja’Marr Chase as a benchmark. Chase landed a four-year, $161 million deal this offseason, while Pickens’ teammate CeeDee Lamb inked a four-year, $136 million contract the previous season.
If Dallas opts to use the franchise tag, it could cost around $28 million, which complicates things since they’re already tight on cap space. They will need to figure out ways to clear some room.
Reportedly, there haven’t been any discussions about a contract between the two parties yet.
Pickens recently expressed enthusiasm about staying with the Cowboys, saying, “I would love to come back.”
Quarterback Dak Prescott also mentioned that retaining Pickens is a priority for the offseason.
On top of that, the Cowboys will need to negotiate with another important free agent this offseason, kicker Brandon Aubrey, as teams can only place the franchise tag on one player each year.
Interestingly, Pickens is represented by David Mulugeta, who also manages Micah Parsons. During negotiations with Parsons prior to his trade to Green Bay, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones claimed he didn’t even recognize Mulugeta’s name.
