After being acquired via trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers last year, George Pickens proved to be one of the best wide receivers in the entire league, catching 93 passes for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns. His dominance in 2025 made him a first-time Pro Bowl player in the final year of his rookie contract, but still it wasn’t enough to earn a long-term contract, at least not yet.
As we all know now, Pickens will play out the entire 2026 season under the $27.3 million franchise tag, with a chance
to hit the open market again next year. What his future beyond this season is will continue to be a top headline throughout the year. But as far as things stand right now, playing on the franchise tag this year is viewed as a win-win situation, at least according to Jerry Jones.
“This is great from our view,” Jones told Yahoo Sports. For him as well, it lets him really extend what he’s got going right now in light of the fact that… when we got him, we got him for no other reason than because there was a long-term question. Through next year and this year, he’ll answer all those questions.”
“We expect more earlier,” Jones said. “He will expect more. That he not only build on where he got to last year, the preparation will be out there happening as a major part in any series or any game. So I think from the get-go, he will have more to give in the plans on what we’re doing early and late in the season.”
Unfortunately, it seems as if Pickens’ time with the Pittsburgh Steelers continues to haunt him. Due to disciplinary issues, on-field incidents, and team frustrations Pickens’ inconsistent tenure in Pittsburgh ultimately led him being traded to the Cowboys. And while he distanced himself for the most part from those “red flags” in Dallas last year, it’s a persona he can’t seem to shake altogether.
Teams around the league, as well as the Cowboys according to Jerry Jones, will be closely monitoring Pickens throughout the 2026 season, both on and off the field. Every little thing he does and doesn’t do will be heavily scrutinized. Because of that, it’s in his best interest to be at his best if he wants to earn a long-term extension at season’s end.
In his second season with the Cowboys in Brian Schottenheimer’s system and playing with QB Dak Prescott, there’s a really good chance for Pickens to elevate his game to an even higher level. If he once again proves to be one of the best WRs in the league in 2026 and does so without any on or off the field issues, teams could line up to offer him the long-term contract he’s looking for.
It’s going to be really interesting to see how Pickens’ 2026 season plays out and how the Cowboys view his potential future in Dallas. If he shows the consistency they’re looking for, a long-term contract is a possibility or using the franchise tag once again next year is an option as well. This is an entertaining situation that should continue to make headlines until something is ultimately decided one way or another.
What’s your call? Will Pickens be in Dallas beyond 2026?
