George Pickens enters 2026 with extra motivation after the Cowboys chose the franchise tag over a long-term deal. NFL analyst Randy Gurzi believes the decision could push him to prove his value in the upcoming season. 

The Cowboys' decision to place the franchise tag on George Pickens has turned the 2026 season into another opportunity for the wide receiver to earn the long-term contract he wanted. After a career-best 2025 season, Pickens will now look to prove himself.

“His performance was enough that the Cowboys wanted to keep him around,” Randy Gurzi wrote. “But they still wanted to see more from him before offering a long-term contract. That's why Dallas ended up using the franchise tag…proving he deserves a big payday during 2027 free agency." 

The Cowboys acquired George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2025 offseason after looking for another receiver to pair with CeeDee Lamb. The move came after Dallas did not add a wide receiver during the NFL Draft, according to Randy Gurzi of SI.com.

Pickens made an immediate impression in his first season with the Cowboys, delivering the best performance of his career. The wide receiver finished the 2025 season with 93 receptions, 1,429 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns, all career highs. 

Before joining the Cowboys, Pickens spent three seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, recording 174 receptions for 2,841 yards and 12 touchdowns.

In 2025, his first year in Dallas, he had his best statistical season, with 9 touchdowns and 1,429 yards, helping change the perception around his consistency and role as a receiver.

When CeeDee Lamb missed time with a high-ankle sprain in 2025, Pickens stepped up as Dallas' primary receiving threat. Another productive season in 2026 could move him closer to the long-term contract he has been seeking. 

Rather than receiving a long-term extension, Pickens will spend another season playing for his next contract. Though there is still time, one former NFL player believes he has already done enough to earn that deal. 

Emmanuel Acho questions George Pickens contract decision

Former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Emmanuel Acho questioned the Cowboys' decision to keep George Pickens on the franchise tag after the July 15 deadline for long-term extensions passed.

Speaking on Speakeasy, Acho said Pickens had already done enough to earn a multi-year contract. 

“If [Pickens] does play on the tag, it’s a gigantic mistake,” Emmanuel Acho said. “You work to get a long-term contract. And he did everything he was supposed to do. Hey, trade me to a team. I’m going to lock in. I’m going to stay focused…That’s the deal. He did his end of the bargain.” 

Acho believes Pickens has already fulfilled his part by delivering a career-best season after arriving in Dallas. Not just that, but his yardage ranked the third-highest in the league.

Despite that, the receiver will now play another year on the franchise tag before his long-term future is decided. 

Do you think George Pickens deserves a long-term deal? Let us know your views in the comments.

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Written by

Divyanshi Raj

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote