George Pickens’ Future in Dallas: What We’re Hearing, and Why a Departure Feels Unlikely - For Now
George Pickens has found himself in the spotlight this week, and not for the reasons Cowboys fans would hope. His performance against the Detroit Lions left plenty to be desired, and it’s sparked some conversation - not just about his play, but about his future in Dallas.
Pickens is playing out the final year of his rookie contract, and naturally, eyes are turning toward what’s next. He’s looking to cash in, and who can blame him?
He’s shown flashes of being a true difference-maker in this offense. But the Cowboys have a well-earned reputation for being selective - some would say cautious - when it comes to handing out top-tier money, especially to receivers not named CeeDee Lamb.
Now comes a new wrinkle, courtesy of ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, who reports that Pickens is being viewed around the league as a potential offseason target for teams like the Baltimore Ravens and the Kansas City Chiefs - two contenders with a need at wide receiver and the cap flexibility to make a move.
Fowler even noted that Pickens would be “a significant upgrade” in Baltimore, and floated the idea that Dallas could slap the franchise tag on him to retain control, but if he hits the open market, the Ravens - with $40 million in projected 2026 cap space - might be ready to pounce. The Chiefs, always on the hunt for more firepower for Patrick Mahomes, are also reportedly monitoring the situation.
Why a Pickens Departure Doesn’t Add Up - Yet
Let’s pump the brakes a bit.
Yes, the idea of Pickens in a Ravens or Chiefs uniform is intriguing - he’s a physical, high-upside receiver who can stretch the field and win contested catches. But when you zoom out and look at the full picture, a move away from Dallas feels more hypothetical than imminent.
For starters, Pickens himself has expressed interest in staying in Dallas. That matters.
And so does the fact that both quarterback Dak Prescott and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer have publicly backed him, making it clear they want him in this offense moving forward. That kind of internal support isn’t just lip service - it often plays a big role in shaping contract decisions.
And then there’s Jerry Jones. The Cowboys owner went on record earlier this week, saying he’s not concerned about Pickens’ effort in the Detroit game. That’s notable, because when it comes to handing out big contracts, Jerry’s voice is the one that ultimately matters most.
The most realistic path forward? Dallas uses the franchise tag - projected at around $28 million - to keep Pickens off the open market in 2026, buying more time to work out a long-term deal.
That’s not unusual for the Cowboys. They’ve used the tag as a bridge before, and it gives them the flexibility to negotiate without being forced into a bidding war.
Chemistry Matters - and Pickens Has It
What’s often lost in these discussions is just how well Pickens has meshed with this offense. His connection with Dak has grown steadily, and his ability to complement CeeDee Lamb gives Dallas a dynamic one-two punch on the outside. That’s not something you walk away from lightly.
Schottenheimer has also done a solid job scheming Pickens into favorable matchups, and while the Detroit game was a step back, it doesn’t erase the strides he’s made this season. He’s been a reliable target in key moments, and his physicality has added a different dimension to the Cowboys’ passing game.
Bottom Line
Could George Pickens end up elsewhere in 2026? Sure.
The NFL is unpredictable, and money talks. But as things stand today, the signs point to Dallas keeping him around - whether that’s through the tag or a new deal down the line.
The Cowboys know what they have in Pickens. And unless something shifts dramatically, it’s hard to see them letting a player with his upside and chemistry with Dak walk out the door.