The Dallas Cowboys’ fairytale with George Pickens may be heading for a stormy ending. What started as one of the NFL’s most electric offensive duos is now clouded by silence, frustration, and an expensive standstill.
Pickens, the explosive wide receiver acquired from Pittsburgh last offseason, has delivered everything Dallas hoped for — and more. Through just eight games, he’s amassed 685 yards, 43 receptions, and six touchdowns, emerging as one of Dak Prescott’s most lethal weapons.
Pro Football Focus ranks him the No. 5 receiver in the league, a jaw-dropping rise that seemed destined to secure a long-term deal in Dallas. But behind the scenes, optimism has evaporated.
According to insider Ed Werder (WFAA), there have been zero contract talks between the Cowboys and Pickens’ representatives — not even preliminary conversations. That revelation stunned fans who believed the front office was already negotiating an extension.
“With a week before the trade deadline, the Cowboys have not engaged in contract extension talks with WR George Pickens,” Werder reported. “Franchise player designation is an option that would cost around $28 million.”
That option might keep Pickens in Dallas temporarily, but it would do little to ease tensions. Sources close to the star say he wants security, not a one-year tag, especially after proving he can thrive in a true No. 1 receiver role beside CeeDee Lamb.
If the Cowboys don’t act soon, Pickens could hit the open market — where Spotrac projects a deal worth $145 million over five years. For a player entering his prime, that kind of payday is hard to ignore.
But the situation is complicated by a familiar thorn: Athletes First, the agency representing both Pickens and Micah Parsons. After Jerry Jones’ public clash with the agency during Parsons’ contract saga, many insiders now fear another ugly standoff is brewing.
Behind closed doors, sources describe the Cowboys’ internal discussions as “optimistic but cautious.” However, optimism doesn’t sign contracts — and time is running out.
The reality? When Dallas traded for Pickens, it may have always been a one-year rental, designed to boost Dak Prescott’s MVP campaign and stretch defenses in 2025 before letting him walk for a compensatory draft pick.
Still, losing Pickens — just as he’s peaking — could be a devastating blow to an offense finally finding rhythm. Fans are already voicing outrage, demanding answers from Jones and the front office.
“If we let George go, we’re not serious about winning,” one Cowboys insider told Dallas Sports Daily. “This man is the future — not a rental.”
Whether Jerry Jones mends fences with Athletes First or doubles down on business-as-usual will decide the Cowboys’ fate this offseason. But one thing is certain: George Pickens isn’t waiting forever.
And if Dallas doesn’t move soon, their brightest spark could become their biggest regret.
