The Cowboys took a calculated swing last offseason when they traded for wide receiver George Pickens, giving him a one-year audition in Dallas. Safe to say, he nailed it.
In a contract year, Pickens didn’t just prove he belonged - he made a statement. With 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, he earned second-team All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl nod. That’s the kind of production that doesn’t just earn headlines - it demands a payday.
Now, Pickens has made it clear: he wants to stay in Dallas. But he’s also made it just as clear that the price tag has gone up. The Cowboys are expected to place the franchise tag on him, which would give both sides some breathing room to hammer out a long-term deal.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones isn’t hiding his enthusiasm about keeping Pickens in the fold.
“I’m talking to George all the time by virtue of my excitement for him,” Jones said Thursday. “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.”
That kind of praise isn’t just lip service. Jones has seen firsthand what Pickens brings to the table - big-play ability, physicality, and a competitive edge that fits the Cowboys' identity. And after watching him thrive in his first year in the system, Dallas knows it has something special.
Of course, Cowboys fans have heard this tune before. Just last year, the team hoped to lock down Micah Parsons long-term before things unraveled. That situation ended with Parsons being dealt to Green Bay after tensions rose and the edge rusher seemed unwilling to play under the fifth-year option.
But Jones doesn’t see the same volatility with Pickens.
“There’s nothing fragile about [Pickens] or his makeup,” Jones said. “It goes back to his commitment to how he loves football, his enjoyment being around his teammates and how he enjoys being coached.”
That’s a strong endorsement - especially from a front office that’s seen how quickly contract talks can sour. While Pickens had some bumps in Pittsburgh, his time in Dallas has been relatively smooth. There were a few hiccups - reportedly some tardiness here and there - but nothing that raised serious red flags.
“I’ve missed a few [meetings] myself,” Jones joked, brushing off concerns with a laugh. “Something came up.”
The Cowboys know Pickens isn’t the only priority this offseason. They’re also looking to lock in running back Javonte Williams, edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney, and kicker Brandon Aubrey for the long haul. But there’s no question Pickens is at the top of the list.
After a breakout season that turned heads across the league, the question now isn’t whether George Pickens has earned a new deal - it’s how soon the Cowboys can get it done.