It has been a difficult few months for Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott, and this former Bengals Pro Bowler is not making it any easier for the quarterback. 

On The Speakeasy Podcast earlier this month, former wide receiver T. J. Houshmandzadeh went off on Prescott for advising teammate and WR George Pickens to play with the franchise tag. 

“I just really wish Dak would have minded his business with this one. Normally, does he really get in-depth with his answers? Not really. So, now, why you want to really go in-depth when it pertains to me? Boy, mind your own business,” Houshmandzadeh said.

Houshmandzadeh was not mincing words when he went off on Prescott, who made the initial comments at the 36th Annual Children's Cancer Fund Gala. The quarterback probably spoke from experience, having played on the franchise tag not once but twice.

Prescott spoke to reporters at a fundraiser on Wednesday, “You played last year on a one-year, whatever it was,” said Prescott. “So if you can go one year for $30-whatever-it-is million, it’s the same thing when I got franchised. Hey, go do it. Bet on yourself.” 

It is important to note that Pickens made $3.6 million in the final year of his rookie contract, and if he plays out on the tag, he will make approximately $27.2 million, which by itself is an 800% increase. 

George Pickens and the Dallas Cowboys have yet to agree on a long-term deal, according to the latest update.

Regardless of what happens, Pickens will return to AT&T Stadium this fall unless another team offers him the money he is looking for, but would also need to give up two first-rounders, and Dallas still has the right to match.  

What Else Did Dak Prescott Say About His Wide Receiver?

Dak Prescott wants Pickens to return to the Cowboys on a long-term deal. Prescott said in the same interview, “George loves football.” 

He further added, “He’s a hell of a player. Hopefully, we can get him long-term and sign that. But if not, I think the way that he plays the game and the person that he is, he’ll be just fine.”

Prescott and Pickens enjoyed a successful campaign together, even though the Cowboys had an abysmal 2025 season and missed the playoffs. 

Pickens had a breakout season with 93 receptions, 1,429 yards, and nine touchdowns. The question that remains is whether Jerry Jones and Pickens will reach an agreement soon.

Do you think Houshmandzadeh was justified in criticizing Prescott? Or was Prescott's advice sound for Pickens? Let us know what you think.

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Written by

Samvruth Raj

Edited by

Sayantan Gayen