George Pickens has emerged as arguably the top available free agent following a career-best season for the Dallas Cowboys.

Recently, an NFL Network report suggested that the Cowboys are looking for a 'tag-and-trade' scenario for the star wide receiver.

Well, the Cowboys legend, Emmitt Smith, also thinks Dallas should wrap things up with Pickens before it's too late. He made a huge claim regarding Pickens on the Up and Adams Show during Super Bowl week.

“I would make that decision right now, or right before the draft so I know how to proceed in the draft,” Smith said. “Not only that, I would solidify my offensive scheme with Lamb, Pickens, and Jake Ferguson, the way we ran the ball with Javonte. That solidifies the foundation.”

Smith wanting Pickens to stay in Dallas makes complete sense. The 24-year-old scored a career-best 9 touchdowns and 1429 receiving yards, and 93 receptions in the last season. Pickens formed a great partnership with CeeDee Lamb and became a valuable weapon for Dak Prescott.

If the Cowboys put the tag on Pickens, they have till July 15 to negotiate a contract extension with him. He is expected to sign a one-year deal worth roughly around $28 million.

What did Owner Jerry Jones have to say?

The Cowboys' owner, Jerry Jones, has already expressed his desire to keep George Pickens.

Recently, Jones was asked whether he was concerned about how the tag would affect the 24-year-old.

“Not any more at all than any other player,” Jones said. “No. In fact, my emphasis on feeling good about him off the field, or any of those issues, has to do with me not differentiating him from any of the top players."

The window for the Cowboys to apply for the tag starts from Feb 17th to March 3rd. However, considering the roster is already high-priced with stars like Prescott and Lamb, it would be a difficult ask.

What do you think about Emmitt Smith's statement on Pickens? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Kalp Thaker

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi