Micah Parsons might be wearing green and gold these days, but he’s still making waves in Dallas - and not in a way Cowboys fans are going to love.
According to CeeDee Lamb, Parsons was doing a little recruiting during the Pro Bowl, trying to convince fellow wide receiver George Pickens to join him in Green Bay. Pickens, who’s coming off a breakout year in Dallas, is set to hit free agency. And while Lamb made it clear - "They're not getting him," - the situation is far from settled.
Let’s break it down.
Pickens is coming off a career-best season after being traded from Pittsburgh last offseason. He found his stride in Dallas, posting personal highs in catches, yards, and touchdowns. His chemistry with Lamb turned the Cowboys’ receiving corps into one of the league’s most dangerous duos, giving Dak Prescott a dynamic 1-2 punch that kept defenses honest and opened up the entire offense.
Now, with his contract up, the Cowboys are staring at a critical decision. The most straightforward option is slapping the franchise tag on Pickens. That would lock him in for the 2026 season at around $28 million - a hefty price tag, but one that guarantees he stays put, at least for another year.
But here’s the thing: Pickens isn’t just looking for a one-year payday. He’s earned the right to seek a long-term deal, and based on his production, he’s likely aiming north of $30 million annually. The Cowboys can still tag him and work on an extension, but letting him walk into free agency without using the tag would be a massive gamble - especially with teams like the Packers lurking.
And let’s not forget the optics here. Losing a star wideout like Pickens would hurt any team, but losing him to the same franchise you traded Micah Parsons to?
That’s a punch to the gut. Parsons was a cornerstone of the Cowboys' defense before heading to Green Bay, and now he’s trying to lure away one of Dallas' top offensive weapons?
That’s a storyline that writes itself - and one the Cowboys front office would rather avoid.
The Cowboys' defense needs work, no doubt about it. But keeping this offense intact - especially the Lamb-Pickens tandem - has to be a top priority. Prescott thrived with those two on the field, and continuity in the passing game is critical if Dallas wants to stay competitive in a loaded NFC.
Bottom line: The Cowboys have the tools to keep Pickens in town. Whether it’s the tag, a long-term extension, or both, the ball is in their court.
But if they let him walk - and especially if they let him walk to Green Bay - they’re not just losing a top-tier receiver. They’re handing a rival a major weapon and potentially unraveling one of the league’s most explosive offenses in the process.