George Pickens Wants to Stay in Dallas - But Will the Cowboys Pay Up?
George Pickens couldn’t have picked a better time to have a breakout season. In what turned out to be a contract year, the former Steelers wideout turned in the kind of performance that gets you paid - and possibly paid big.
Acquired by the Cowboys last May in what now looks like a steal of a deal, Pickens delivered a 2025 campaign that checked every box. He hauled in 93 catches for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns - all career highs - while earning his first Pro Bowl nod and a Second-Team All-Pro selection. That’s not just improvement; that’s a player leveling up in real time.
And here’s the kicker: he did it all while playing on a base salary of just $3.656 million. In today’s NFL, that’s a bargain for a WR1 putting up top-10 numbers. Pickens was one of the best value players in the league last season, and now he’s due for a serious raise.
The question is: will that raise come from the Cowboys?
Pickens Wants to Stay - But Knows It’s Not Up to Him
Speaking recently with DallasCowboys.com, Pickens made it clear - again - that he wants to stay in Dallas.
“I would love to,” he said. “But when you can’t control it, you kind of just hope for the best.”
That’s a candid answer from a player who knows how the business side of the league works. He hasn’t had direct conversations with the Cowboys yet, but he believes his agent has. And while he didn’t throw out any dollar figures - smart move - he did share what kind of deal he’s looking for.
“Just the ultimate best deal when it helps everybody,” Pickens said. “If it’s the best thing for both parties, then I’m willing to do anything.”
That “willing to do anything” line? It’s not just lip service.
When asked about the franchise tag, Pickens didn’t flinch. He’s open to it.
That’s significant, because no other team can tag him - only Dallas holds that right. If they want to keep him around in 2026, tagging him is the simplest short-term move.
But it's not the most cap-friendly one long-term.
The Cowboys’ Dilemma: Pay the Man or Let Him Walk?
Pickens is about to turn 25, and he just showed he can be the kind of dynamic playmaker who changes games and shifts coverages. He’s not just a vertical threat anymore - he’s evolving into a complete receiver. That kind of growth doesn’t go unnoticed, especially in a league where wide receiver contracts are skyrocketing.
Dallas has some tough decisions to make this offseason, and Pickens is right near the top of the list. Do they tag him and kick the can down the road?
Do they lock him up with a long-term deal that rewards his breakout year? Or do they let him test the market and risk losing him to a team that’s ready to build around his talent?
If he does hit free agency, there will be no shortage of suitors. And yes, if Micah Parsons had his way, the Green Bay Packers would be first in line.
But Cowboys fans aren’t trying to hear that. They’ve seen what Pickens can do in a star on his helmet.
They’ve seen the chemistry with Dak. They’ve seen how he fits into Mike McCarthy’s offense.
What Matters to Pickens? Not Just the Money
Pickens knows his value has gone up - that’s obvious. But when asked about his priorities, he pointed to something deeper than just the paycheck.
He’s focused on his value as a playmaker. That’s the word he used.
And that mindset tells you a lot about where he is mentally. He’s not chasing headlines - he’s chasing impact.
He’s going to keep training, keep preparing, and wait to find out what team he’s preparing for.
Right now, he’s hoping that team is still the Dallas Cowboys.
And if the front office is paying attention - and they should be - they’ll find a way to make sure George Pickens stays right where he belongs.