Things took an interesting turn in the saga of George Pickens' contract negotiations. Dallas Cowboys' quarterback, Dak Prescott, gave a brief response to this entire situation on April 18, 2026.

The Athletic's Jon Machota posted a clip on his X account in which Dak Prescott discusses his take on Pickens’ contract negotiations during the Children’s Cancer Fund anniversary gala.

“Yeah, we were just working, no different than I have any offseason. Obviously, first real off-season of George being a part of it, and he showed up.” Prescott said.

“He has been active, and he has looked great. So super excited, leaving all that those contract talks and that all to the front office,” he added.

Prescott praised how his fellow teammate Pickens is looking forward to the season and naturally didn’t comment on the ongoing Pickens’ contract issues.

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Pickens as the 52nd pick in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. However, he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys last season, in exchange for 2026 third and fifth-round picks.

After star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 3 last season, Pickens stepped up to his role and exceeded expectations.

He recorded career highs with 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns, earning his first career Pro Bowl selection. Pickens also received Offensive MVP for his performance in the Pro Bowl game.

Subsequently, the Dallas Cowboys placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on Pickens with a one-year, $27M deal. However, he has reportedly not signed the tender yet, as he is negotiating for a deal worth approximately $30M.

Until Pickens signs the deal, he won’t be able to attend any team-led OTA workouts this offseason, despite spending time working out with QB Dak Prescott.

The question that arises is whether George Pickens will re-sign with the Cowboys or will he take his talents elsewhere?

Updates On George Pickens’ Contract

In 2015, the Dallas Cowboys placed the franchise tag on WR Dez Bryant. Consequently, they did the same in 2018 and 2019 with DE DeMarcus Lawrence.

The Cowboys did the same with Prescott in 2020 and 2021, but all of them stayed with the team by signing long-term deals.

According to Cowboys' co-owner, Stephen Jones, not many NFL teams have shown interest in George Pickens.

Given the situation, it might seem that Pickens would consider signing the tender proposed by the Cowboys.

However, when Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer was asked about any assurances regarding Pickens’ attendance at the voluntary team workouts, he expressed uncertainty.

“No, and I haven't pushed that on him," Schottenheimer said.

As George Pickens is determined to renegotiate his deal this offseason, it's only a matter of time when everyone is informed of Pickens' decision.

You can read more at the Dallas Cowboys Community!

Written by

Monika Khatai

Edited by

Rishab Nandi