George Pickens has quickly become one of the biggest storylines in Dallas as the Cowboys head into a pivotal offseason. After a breakout 2025 campaign, the 25-year-old wide receiver is now at the heart of the franchise’s free agency plans-and the front office isn’t being shy about their intentions.
Speaking at the Senior Bowl on January 28, Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones made it clear: the team wants Pickens back in the fold for 2026. “Certainly, we want George to be back here in Dallas,” Jones said.
“We’ll certainly go from there.” That’s not just lip service-it’s a signal that Pickens has become central to what Dallas wants to build moving forward.
And it’s easy to see why. Pickens didn’t just join the Cowboys in 2025-he transformed their passing game.
Acquired via trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers before the season, he wasted no time proving his worth, racking up 93 catches for 1,429 yards and 9 touchdowns. Those numbers not only led the team, they earned him Second-Team All-Pro honors in his first year wearing the star.
When CeeDee Lamb went down with injury, Pickens stepped into the WR1 role without hesitation. He became Dak Prescott’s go-to target and showed he could thrive in high-leverage moments.
That kind of production, especially in a season where the offense had to carry the load, makes Pickens one of the most valuable players on the market. In fact, ESPN ranks him as the No. 2 overall free agent in the 2026 class, trailing only pass rusher Trey Hendrickson.
The Cowboys have options, but none of them are cheap. The franchise tag for wide receivers is projected to exceed $28 million, and while that’s a tool Dallas could use, Jones’ comments suggest the team is aiming for a long-term deal. A multi-year extension would give the Cowboys cost certainty and keep their offensive core intact, which is especially important as they look to rebuild on the other side of the ball.
Dallas finished the 2025 season with a disappointing 7-9-1 record under first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer. Despite ranking seventh in points scored, the team missed the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
The culprit? A defense that gave up a league-worst 30.1 points per game.
Jones acknowledged as much, noting the Cowboys have “work to do on the defensive side of the ball.” That’s putting it mildly.
The defense struggled to stop anyone, and it left the offense in shootouts week after week. Retaining Pickens won’t fix that, but it ensures the Cowboys can continue to lean on a high-powered passing attack while they address their defensive shortcomings through free agency and the draft.
Bottom line: George Pickens has earned his spot as a top priority in Dallas. His chemistry with Prescott, his ability to take over games, and his production in just one season with the Cowboys make him more than just a luxury-he’s a foundational piece. And if Dallas is serious about returning to playoff contention in 2026, keeping Pickens in the building is a move they can’t afford not to make.