Cowboys Seek Strategy to Retain George Pickens
The Dallas Cowboys made a strategic acquisition by trading a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers for wide receiver George Pickens, alongside a 2027 sixth-round pick. This season, the Cowboys are paying him $3.656 million, a calculated investment given his recent performance.
Cowboys’ Rising Star: George Pickens
In a remarkable display during last Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Pickens recorded nine catches for 146 yards and scored a touchdown. Over the past two weeks, he has showcased his skills with 18 receptions totaling 290 yards and two touchdowns.
High Expectations from Dak Prescott
Dak Prescott, the Cowboys quarterback, expressed his limitless expectations for Pickens. “I’m sure you have all read his article in The Players’ Tribune. He’s not from this planet,” Prescott remarked. He added, “We lucked up getting a guy like that. We have to make sure that we can keep him here.”
Impact on the Team
- Pickens has surpassed teammate CeeDee Lamb in this season’s performance.
- He has achieved a career-high of 67 receptions and eight touchdowns.
- He has accumulated over 1,000 yards, totaling 1,054 this season.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones acknowledged Pickens’ crucial role, stating, “He has absolutely been the difference as we’ve played over the last two weeks.” With both Pickens and Lamb on the field, the Cowboys’ offensive strategy seems to be flourishing.
The Future of George Pickens
Looking ahead, Pickens is set to become a free agent in March. He has earned a contract that reflects his top-tier status in the league. However, the Cowboys face a hurdle, as they are projected to be $60.2 million over the 2026 salary cap, according to overthecap.com.
One potential route for the Cowboys to retain Pickens is by utilizing the franchise tag, projected at $28 million for one season. However, this option may not align with Pickens’ preferences. Jones emphasized the team’s desire to keep Pickens, stating, “Of course, we’d love to have him on the team.”
Next Steps for the Cowboys
The Cowboys are currently contemplating their strategy to retain George Pickens, despite having the flexibility to sign him to a deal immediately. “I don’t just try to spend my day messing with agents,” Jones added with a laugh. As they methodically approach this situation, the focus remains on finding a solution to keep their star wide receiver in Dallas.
