George Pickens had a Pro Bowl year in 2025, but the Dallas Cowboys may still not be sure about a long-term extension for the wide receiver. But recent news from an insider suggests the franchise views him as a key part of its future.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler believes that Pickens is here to stay and the Cowboys are looking forward to having him for a long time. For now, he will be there for at least one more season.

“He signed the franchise tag, $27 million,” reported Fowler on ESPN’s SportsCenter. “Hasn’t really been a fixture in the building, kind of stayed away a little bit, but I’m told he has worked with Dak Prescott this offseason offsite."

Amidst the contract standoff situation, Pickens did not show up for the first team workout after signing the tag. Until June 16, participation is voluntary, allowing him to stay away without being fined.

However, the star wide receiver has worked with Dak Prescott on his own.

“I’m just showing George my support," said Prescott during the Cowboys' annual Reliant Home Run Derby. "The guy that I know George is — obviously, he signed the tag, so when he has to be there and ready to play, he’s going to be there. We've thrown this offseason, so I'm comfortable where he's at and excited when he can get in the building and get rolling.”

Back in April, Pickens signed the $27.3M non-exclusive franchise tag with the Cowboys, with no long-term deal from the team. Though the team has time until July 15 to discuss negotiations for a contract extension, the executives have been clear about letting him play on tag for this season.

According to reports of Yahoo Sports’ Jori Epstein, Jerry Jones said he expects Pickens to elevate his production.

"We got him for no other reason than because there was a long-term question," said Jones. "Through next year and this year, he’ll answer all those questions.”

Amid the growing speculation regarding his contract, the Cowboys' offensive coordinator cleared the air about the Cowboys' plans for Pickens heading into the 2026 season.

Offensive Coordinator Klayton Adams Details Cowboys’ Plan for Pickens 

During his interview with the NFL Network's The Insiders at a recent NFL Accelerators program, the Cowboys' offensive coordinator Klayton Adams mentioned his high hopes for Pickens playing in the 2026 season. 

“I just know from a personal perspective, I love the guy and being around him in the building every day,” Adams said. “I’m looking forward to seeing him whenever he comes around. He’s obviously an outstanding football player; he’s a big part of our plans.”

He believes there is still room for the Cowboys’ offense to further develop around the pairing of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens.

CeeDee Lamb posted 75 receptions for 1,077 yards and three touchdowns in 2025. At the same time, Pickens recorded all career highs with 1,429 receiving yards, 93 receptions, and nine receiving touchdowns.

The coach believes the duo, along with quarterback Dak Prescott, led the team to rank second in the NFL for total offense in 2025.

With improving pass-protection and red-zone efficiency as the major focus, Pickens' role would be more impactful for the Cowboys in the 2026 season.

Will Pickens be able to earn the Cowboys' trust to receive a long-term contract? Share your thoughts.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar