The Dallas Cowboys face a significant offseason decision surrounding wide receiver George Pickens, leading his teammate CeeDee Lamb to make an unconventional offer to change his own contract to ensure he stays put.
After surrendering a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round selection to land Pickens, while also receiving a 2027 sixth-round pick, Dallas now finds itself weighing a long-term commitment against having some roster flexibility.
George Pickens surprises Cowboys fans with his Spanish nickname and dance moves
The gamble to acquire Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers paid immediate dividends. Appearing in all 17 games during the 2025 season, the former Steelers standout delivered one of the most productive campaigns of his career.
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He totaled 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns, establishing himself as a dynamic complement to established No. 1 receiver CeeDee Lamb.
The offensive pairing proved effective, with Lamb posting 75 receptions for 1,077 yards and three touchdowns across 14 appearances for the Dallas Cowboys.
The chemistry between Lamb and Pickens has not only elevated the passing attack but also strengthened the locker room dynamic. Losing one of their star receivers would represent a heavy blow.
Pickens speaks out
During a recent appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, Pickens said: “Gotta put the pieces together, right?
“As we know, our offense was fire. Our defense wasn’t as good, but once we combine those two things, we got a couple pieces that we need to bring back offensively.
“And I’m pretty sure everybody here knows exactly what I’m talking about. But, yeah, get our defense together.”
The conversation soon turned to Pickens‘ future in Dallas, prompting Dan Patrick to ask Lamb whether he expects his fellow wide receiver to remain with the franchise in 2026.
Lamb offered a confident and direct response that reflected both his optimism and belief in the organization’s commitment to the partnership: “He has no choice,” Lamb said.
More notably, Lamb expressed a willingness to make personal financial adjustments if it helps the Cowboys secure a long-term contract for Pickens.
“If it’s necessary, honestly,” CeeDee Lamb said. “I’m pretty good, but I know he’s going to get every penny that he deserves here in Dallas.”
Dallas owner Jerry Jones has echoed Lamb‘s enthusiasm regarding Pickens.
Jones has publicly stated that he is actively engaged in discussions with the receiver and remains optimistic about maintaining their partnership for the foreseeable future.
“I’m talking to George Pickens all the time by virtue of my excitement for him,” Jones said. “He’s better than, as far as what he contributed to our team, showing the potential that he could contribute.
“I’m looking forward to getting things worked out so George Pickens can be a Dallas Cowboys a long time.”
A difficult negotiation ahead
Despite the mutual interest, negotiations could prove complex. If both sides fail to reach a long-term agreement, the Cowboys could apply the franchise tag to retain Pickens for the 2026 season.
While the franchise tag guarantees a substantial one-year salary, it often generates tension due to its limitation on long-term financial security for players.
However, Jones does not appear concerned about potential friction with Pickens, even considering the receiver’s occasionally controversial tenure with the Steelers earlier in his career.
For Dallas, retaining could be vital to sustaining one of the NFL‘s most explosive passing offenses.
With strong support from Lamb and Jones, negotiations will likely remain a focal point of the franchise’s offseason strategy.
