The Dallas Cowboys are comfortable having wide receiver George Pickens play the 2026 season under the franchise tag. But the Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith warned that the situation could become more complicated down the road.

During an interview with Action Network, Smith said that the Pickens’ contract could be extended depending on his 2026 performance. But it can go the other way, too.

"The question is, does Pickens feel like the Cowboys did not do them right this year, and have a feeling that they will upgrade him next year, and if he doesn't feel like they will, I think he'll be gone," Smith said. 

According to Smith, if Jerry Jones and company do not offer a substantial deal to Pickens next year, the WR will move on with a different team.

Pickens had his best campaign with the Cowboys and recorded all career highs in receptions (93), receiving yards (1,429), and touchdowns (nine) in 2025.

Despite his production, he was placed on a franchise tag ($27.3M) for the 2026 season. The Cowboys executives were adamant on neither trading him nor offering a long-term deal at the moment.

"It's best on him this year to obviously give his best performance, whether he stays with the Dallas Cowboys or not," Smith said, per Action Network. "If I'm Pickens, I'm more concerned about my performance, the consistency, and staying healthy throughout the course of the season. The chips may fall wherever they fall." 

Pickens has yet to appear at the team's voluntary OTA sessions, leading to speculation about whether he will report for mandatory minicamp.

George Pickens' Absence Adds Another Layer to Contract Drama

The 25-year-old wide receiver was absent during the team's OTA sessions, which began on June 1. And that has raised questions regarding his potential holdout or missing from the mandatory minicamp that starts on June 16.

But the head coach of the Cowboys, Brian Schottenheimer, seems unbothered by it. During the OTA media sessions, he emphasized that such sessions are voluntary, and he expects Pickens to join for the mandatory camp.

"It’s voluntary," Schottenheimer said. "But that’s the biggest thing to me, it’s not really the scheme. I don’t worry about that. But more than anything, it’s just the connection piece."

Schottenheimer believes that the OTAs and such other camps are more about training alongside teammates and building a rapport, helping in better communication once the season begins.

Though Pickens is expected to report for mandatory minicamp, his absence from OTAs has only intensified the spotlight on his contract situation.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore