The Cowboys made a smart move this offseason by trading for George Pickens. They gave up a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick to the Steelers in exchange for the talented receiver, plus a 2027 sixth-round pick. Pickens’ salary for this season is a reasonable $3.656 million.
So far, Pickens has been impressive. He has 32 receptions for 525 yards and six touchdowns. At this rate, he could hit career highs, aiming for 91 catches, 1,488 yards, and 17 touchdowns this season.
However, his future with the Cowboys is still up in the air. He’ll become an unrestricted free agent in March, and estimates suggest his next contract could exceed $30 million annually. While the Cowboys may want to keep him, they’ll have to navigate their budget carefully. The franchise tag could cost around $23.958 million for 2026, and it’s likely Pickens wouldn’t want to settle for that.
Despite this uncertainty, Pickens has enjoyed his time in Dallas. “The guys in the locker room are super cool; the energy’s great,” he said recently. He’s eager to showcase his skills but is also focused on winning.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones often waits until after the season to discuss contracts, so it might be a while before any decisions are made about Pickens’ future. He acknowledged the need for flexibility in the budget if the team aims to pay multiple high-caliber receivers.
Interestingly, Pickens’ agent, David Mulugheta, also represents Micah Parsons. This relationship has been a bit rocky; Jones reportedly wasn’t familiar with Mulugheta until recently. Pickens is aware of the negotiations but is staying focused on the game. “I just want to keep going and see how far we can get,” he said.
Winning is a priority for Pickens. He’s won at every level, from high school to college at Georgia, and he wants to continue that success in the NFL.
As the season progresses, how well Pickens performs could significantly impact his future contract. According to a survey by the NFL Players Association, player performance remains a crucial factor in contract negotiations, emphasizing the need for players to excel in their roles to secure favorable deals.
In short, while Pickens savors his current success with the Cowboys, the future holds many questions. The focus remains on teamwork and winning, the cornerstones of any successful NFL career.
