The Dallas Cowboys might have hit the jackpot with their trade for wide receiver George Pickens, but his long-term future with the team is a real cliffhanger! And this is where the plot thickens...
The Cowboys acquired Pickens from the Steelers, giving up a 2026 third-round and a 2027 fifth-round draft pick, and in return, they got a potential star. Pickens is having a breakout season, catching 32 passes for 525 yards and 6 touchdowns so far. If he keeps this up, he's on track for a career-best season, with projected numbers of 91 receptions, 1,488 yards, and 17 touchdowns.
But here's the catch: Pickens is due to become a free agent in March, and his outstanding performance has increased his market value significantly. He's now expected to command a salary of over $30 million per season, which is a far cry from the $3.656 million he's earning this year. A real bargain for the Cowboys, but for how long?
The franchise tag, which the Cowboys could use to retain Pickens for another year, is projected to be around $23.958 million in 2026. However, Pickens might not be keen on playing under the tag, and the Cowboys' owner, Jerry Jones, typically prefers to delay contract negotiations until after the season.
Pickens himself seems open to the idea of staying in Dallas, citing the great locker room atmosphere and energy. But he also emphasizes his desire to showcase his talents, leaving his options open. Jones acknowledges the need to consider extending Pickens, especially if they want to pay a second receiver at a high level, but he's not rushing into any decisions.
An interesting twist is that Pickens' agent, David Mulugheta, also represents Micah Parsons, another Cowboys player. However, the Cowboys' relationship with Mulugheta is reportedly not the warmest, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
As the season progresses, Pickens is focused on the present, aiming to go deep into the playoffs. When it comes to his future, he's clear about his priority: winning. With a winning track record in high school and college, Pickens is all about team success. But will the Cowboys be able to offer him that winning environment long-term?
The Cowboys have a potential contract dilemma on their hands, and it's a situation that could spark debates among fans and analysts alike. Should they prioritize keeping Pickens, or is the price tag too high? What's your take on this NFL drama?
