Steelers News: Contract Drama Unfolds for George Pickens and the Cowboys
Well, here we go again. The contract talks between former Pittsburgh Steelers standout George Pickens and the Dallas Cowboys are heating up, and it’s turning into quite the saga.
Pickens had a breakout season after being traded to the Cowboys, racking up 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on 93 catches. With free agency on the horizon, he's poised for a lucrative contract.
Former Steelers stars Joe Haden and James Harrison have weighed in on the situation, expressing skepticism about recent reports as Pickens awaits his big payday.
On the “Deebo & Joe” podcast, Haden shared his thoughts: “When it’s time for a contract, suddenly everyone has something to say. During the season, they kept things under wraps, and Pickens was thriving.
He was a great teammate, performing at a high level, and there was no drama. But now, as contract time approaches, stories about him being late or missing meetings are surfacing.”
Haden's comments referenced an article by ESPN’s Todd Archer, which suggested that while Pickens had some issues in Pittsburgh, they were mostly quieted in Dallas. However, Coach Brian Schottenheimer hinted that tardiness was still a concern, and Pickens reportedly faced fines during the season.
James Harrison, joining his podcast co-host, echoed these sentiments: “When Pickens joined the Cowboys, it seemed like all those rumors were false. He delivered numbers better than the receiver they heavily invested in, and now there’s talk of issues.”
According to Spotrac, Pickens is looking at a market value of a four-year, $122 million deal. His teammate, CeeDee Lamb, secured a four-year, $136 million contract back in August 2024.
“They’re hesitant to give him the ultimate payday,” Haden noted. “Pickens is aiming to surpass CeeDee’s deal, seeking around $35 million a year.”
As the negotiations continue, it’s clear that Pickens’ performance has put him in a strong position. The Cowboys and Pickens both have a lot at stake, and how this plays out will be intriguing for fans and analysts alike.