For the Dallas Cowboys and new receiver George Pickens, there has been much to be excited about during the early stages of his career in Dallas. Through eight games, Pickens has provided the Cowboys with the kind of secondary weapon alongside CeeDee Lamb that the team has long lacked. His numbers have been impressive: 43 catches for 685 yards and six touchdowns. Pro Football Focus currently ranks Pickens as the No. 5 receiver in the NFL.
### The Catch: Pickens is Heading into Free Agency
The problem—and the reason the Cowboys were able to acquire Pickens from the Steelers in exchange for a third-round pick—is that Pickens is heading into free agency. There has been hopeful chatter about the Cowboys locking up Pickens on a long-term extension before he hits the market. This buzz has been amplified by an ESPN report revealing that the Cowboys have had “internal discussions” regarding a deal with Pickens, as well as statements from owner Jerry Jones.
“Any and everything about George Pickens has crossed our minds,” Jones said on Dallas radio. “Certainly he’s a topic of interest and discussions because of the success he’s having.”
### Cowboys Not Holding Contract Talks… Yet
However, it’s important to pump the brakes on expectations of a new deal being signed any time soon to keep the offense’s momentum rolling past this year. According to team insider Ed Werder of WFAA, the Cowboys have not had any conversations with Pickens or his representatives about a long-term contract extension.
Werder wrote on Twitter/X:
“With a week remaining before the #NFL trade deadline, the #Cowboys have not engaged in contract extension talks with WR George Pickens or his representatives. Pickens is on an expiring contract. Franchise player designation is an option that would cost projected $28M.”
### The Franchise Tag and Financial Realities
Indeed, the Cowboys could use the franchise tag to keep Pickens in Dallas for another year, but that option comes with a hefty price tag—approximately $28 million. While the franchise tag is not a long-term commitment, it would allow the Cowboys to retain Pickens temporarily while addressing other team needs, particularly on defense.
That said, this scenario likely wouldn’t be Pickens’ top choice. He came to Dallas hoping to prove he can be a No. 1 receiver paired with a competent quarterback—a situation he rarely had in Pittsburgh. Given his success so far, he is projected (by Spotrac) to command a contract worth around five years and $145 million. Taking an injury risk for just one year at $28 million might not align with his career goals.
### Complicating Factors: Representation and Negotiation Dynamics
Adding another layer of complexity is that Pickens is represented by Athletes First—the same agency that represents Micah Parsons. The breakdown in relations between Parsons and the Cowboys was partly fueled by owner Jerry Jones’ refusal to negotiate with the agency, preferring to deal with Parsons directly.
If the Cowboys hope to reach an agreement with Pickens, it will require Jerry Jones and the Athletes First leadership to engage in talks. Internal discussions within the Cowboys organization about retaining Pickens are essentially ineffective without direct conversations with his representatives.
### One-Year Rental or Long-Term Stay?
When the Cowboys traded for Pickens, it initially seemed like the plan was for a one-year rental, with hopes of earning a compensatory draft pick once Pickens departed in free agency. Halfway through the season, despite Pickens’ strong performance, that outcome still looks like the most likely scenario.
As the season progresses, all eyes will remain on whether the Cowboys can come to terms with Pickens or if they will look elsewhere to build their receiving corps for the future.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/bad-news-george-pickens-contract-talks/
