The Dallas Cowboys have one of the NFL’s biggest offseason questions looming. Star wide receiver George Pickens has been hit with the franchise tag, and negotiations over a long-term extension remain uncertain.
Now, the situation has sparked public debate after quarterback Dak Prescott offered advice to his teammate, a move one former NFL receiver strongly criticized.
T.J. Houshmandzadeh Questions Dak Prescott’s Public Advice
Prescott recently spoke about Pickens’ contract situation and suggested the wide receiver should consider playing on the franchise tag and betting on himself.
“George loves football,” Prescott said. “That’s the one thing about it. I just want him to know, don’t change your love for football. Don’t get in the business mind of this.”
Prescott pointed to his own experience playing under the franchise tag in 2020. “You played last year on one year for not even that much, right?” Prescott said. “So if you can go $30, whatever it is now… it’s the same thing I got when I franchised. So, hey, go do it. At the end of the day, bet on yourself. He’s a hell of a player. Hopefully we can get him long term and sign that.”
While Prescott’s comments appeared supportive on the surface, they drew pushback from former Pro Bowl wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh.
Speaking on “Speakeasy,” Houshmandzadeh criticized Prescott for publicly weighing in on the negotiations. “I just really wish Dak would have minded his business with this one,” Houshmandzadeh said. “I really do. I really wish he would have just minded his business.”
He continued by questioning why Prescott chose this moment to speak so openly. “He said way too much. Normally, does he really get this in-depth with his answers?” Houshmandzadeh said. “So now, why you want to really go in-depth when it pertains to me? Mind your business.”
Houshmandzadeh also argued the situation could be resolved quickly if Dallas simply paid Pickens closer to market value. “The Cowboys, if they gave George Pickens $36 million, they have a deal tomorrow,” he said. “Because George Pickens is a hell of a player.”
Pickens is coming off a breakout season in Dallas. The wideout posted 1,429 receiving yards and emerged as a central piece of the Cowboys’ offense alongside Prescott.
The franchise tag placed on Pickens is reportedly worth roughly $28 million for one season. That figure represents a major raise from the $3.6 million he earned in the final year of his rookie contract, but it still falls below the top of the wide receiver market.
Pickens’ long-term market value could approach $122 million over 4 years, per Spotrac. Prescott’s motivation appears rooted in team success. The quarterback has repeatedly expressed his desire to keep Pickens in Dallas as the Cowboys continue their pursuit of a Super Bowl.
Still, public commentary on contract negotiations can be delicate, particularly when it involves teammates. For now, the Cowboys and Pickens remain locked in negotiations with a July 15 deadline to reach a long-term agreement. Until then, the conversation around Prescott’s remarks and the contract itself may only grow louder.
