Pickens’ production has been elite, posting 1,429 receiving yards last season, third in the NFL and fourth all-time in Cowboys single-season history. The cost to acquire him a year ago—a third-round pick—looks increasingly like one of the better trades by any team in the league.
Dallas’ offense thrived with Pickens and star teammate CeeDee Lamb, synergizing around Dak Prescott. The Cowboys threw for 4,527 yards last season, second-most in the league, helping Dallas rank No. 4 in overall offense by Pro Football Focus.
The clock is ticking on a longer deal, with a July 15 deadline for a long-term agreement under NFL rules. Pickens can sign the franchise tag again, negotiate a multiyear deal, or risk holding out to force a different outcome, though the Cowboys hold significant leverage in the process.
Prescott has tried to set a constructive tone, noting he’s working out with Pickens in the offseason and hopes the receiver will be in the fold for the program. He said George has shown up ready to work, and that contract talks should be left to the front office.
Prescott also drew on his own franchise-tag experience, reminding Pickens that tagging can lead to a breakthrough contract. After playing on the tag in 2020, Prescott landed a record contract, encouraging Pickens to bet on himself if necessary.
As the offseason unfolds, Pickens’ participation in voluntary workouts will be a telling indicator of how prepared the Cowboys are to start 2025 with their current core intact or with decisions looming on the season’s impact players. The next few weeks should clarify whether Pickens remains in Dallas long-term or moves into a different chapter of his career.
