George Pickens had a breakout year during the 2025 NFL season after being acquired by the Dallas Cowboys. The issue is that he’s on an expiring contract and is currently pending free agency as the offseason approaches. An insider provided a major update on the situation, directly related to his future with the franchise.
George Pickens’ Pending Free Agency Demands a Major Decision For Cowboys
Pickens had a career year in his first season with the Cowboys, setting new personal bests in many categories. He also emerged as one of the best wide receivers in the NFL in what turned out to be an excellent trade for Dallas.
The potential issue is that he may have been initially viewed as a rental, or at least an affordable option to pair with CeeDee Lamb, but his breakout performance has significantly increased his value.
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It came just in time for his free agency, as he’s currently on an expiring contract. This puts pressure on the Cowboys to decide his future in Dallas, and NFL.com’s Judy Battista recently provided an update on their potential plan.
“There is almost no doubt that Pickens is going to be tagged. Traded from Pittsburgh to Dallas last May, he had a career season, logging 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns in the final year of his rookie contract. He also helped free up CeeDee Lamb in the pass game, and Stephen Jones has said the Cowboys want Pickens in Dallas.”
“This should be a placeholder as the sides work toward a long-term deal, but the Cowboys have also shown a willingness to trade top players for draft picks. You can’t rule anything out, but it seems like Pickens will be a Cowboy,” reported Battista.
The insider believes the Cowboys will place the franchise tag on their new star while also working on a long-term deal with him as the offseason progresses. This would essentially keep him in Dallas for at least another season, unless they decide to trade him, theoretically for draft capital.
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He far exceeded his expectations last year, finishing third among all wide receivers in PFSN’s Impact Rankings, trailing only Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Puka Nacua. This beats his previous career-best of finishing 17th in his best season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. They clearly have an interest in keeping him on their roster, but his massive success surely comes with an inflated price tag.
