Now that Cowboys star wide receiver George Pickens has signed his franchise tag deal with the team, putting him under contract for 2026 at $27 million, the presumption might well be that the potential for drama has been put aside and the team can get down to the business of prepping for what could be a return to being a contender. But it’s the NFL–and specifically, it’s the Cowboys–so the potential for drama is always lingering.
That includes with Pickens. The team has taken a hard stance that it is not negotiating on a long-term deal with Pickens, that it will let the 2026 season play out and go from there. Under the rules of the CBA, the team and Pickens can work on a new contract until July 15, a bit before training camp opens. Pickens could still protest his unhappiness over the Cowboys’ refusal to work out a new contract by not showing up for team activities before then, and perhaps even into training camp.
But Cowboys COO Stephen Jones said he does not expect that will be the case for Dallas and Pickens.
Cowboys Have ‘Zero Interest’ in Trade
Speaking on Sirius Mad Dog Radio on Monday, Jones was asked about potentially trading Pickens away. He was blunt in his response, saying: “Zero interest.”
Jones was also asked when Pickens might begin participating in the Cowboys’ offseason program, which will include voluntary OTAs next month, followed by a mandatory minicamp. Jones made clear that Pickens is expected to be in attendance for the mandatory aspects.
“Certainly, that’s what we expect,” Jones said (via The Athletic’s Jon Machota on Twitter/X). I mean, anytime a player signs a contract and the expectations, as we hold for all of our players, is when you sign up and you’re under contract then you’re expected to do what your teammates are doing. And certainly, you know, go back to Dak (Prescott), I know (Pickens) is working with Dak and those type of things, but at the end of the day, you know, we will see how this thing plays out.”
GettyChief Operating Officer and Co-Owner Stephen Jones of the Dallas Cowboys
George Pickens Could Get Even Better
Indeed, when it comes to the Cowboys trading Pickens, that ship has likely sailed. There do not appear to be many teams lined up to give up draft assets for Pickens, and give him a contract worth more than $120 million over four years at this point in the offseason.
But Jones was also enthusiastic about what’s next for Pickens as he comes off a year that could not have gone much better, individually–he had a career-high 93 receptions and 1,429 yards, which ranked third in the NFL.
“I think George Pickens has a chance to be competing with CeeDee (Lamb) to be one of the best receivers in the league,” Jones said. “And, to me, what makes our offense so dynamic is to have two guys like that. We were having great visits with Christian Parker about the trouble that it gave his defense when he was in Philly, and the challenges it causes other defenses when you have two dynamic receivers like CeeDee and George.
“Certainly, it was our first year with George. Couldn’t have gone better. I think George has a chance to, believe it or not, get better.”
Cowboys’ Jones Has 2-Word Message for George Pickens Trade Rumors