The Dallas Cowboys received a fresh prediction regarding the future of star wide receiver George Pickens, putting a pause to all the trade speculations. Amid franchise tag chatter, the insider believes that Pickens will be in Dallas, at least for now.

NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero, during his appearance on the Rich Eisen Show, predicted that the Cowboys would likely keep Pickens through the 2026 season rather than exploring a trade.

“Can I 100% say he’ll be a Cowboy in 2026?" Pelissero said. "No. Because, again, things change. Things move. Injuries happen. Needs change. But all things equal, sitting here right now, I believe George Pickens is on the Cowboys in 2026.” 

Pickens recently signed his franchise tag, $27.3M guaranteed, after many trade speculations and the possibility of a contract extension with the Cowboys.

He recorded 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns in 2025, all career highs, making it his best campaign in the NFL.

With David Mulugheta, who also represents ex-Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons, as his agent, Pickens is expected to compete on the field rather than hold out over contract issues, according to Tom Pelissero.

Under this non-exclusive franchise tag, Pickens is allowed to negotiate with other teams.

But the Cowboys retain the right to first refuse any matching offer or receive two first-round picks as compensation, according to Mickey Spagnola of the Dallas Cowboys' official site.

Even if a team comes up with an offer, it would be a hurdle for them to meet the market value of the Pro Bowler.

In any case, team owner Jerry Jones expects Pickens to remain on his best behavior following his stint at the Steelers.

Jones Suggests Cowboys’ Concerns With Pickens Run Beyond Field 

During the league’s May Meeting, Jones said that Pickens' past behavioral issues with the Steelers have an impact on his possible long-term future with the Cowboys. 

“This is great from our view,” Jones said. “For him as well, it lets him really extend what he's got going right now in light of the fact that … when we got him, we got him for no other reason than because there was a long-term question. Through next year and this year, he’ll answer all those questions.” 

The Steelers traded Pickens to the Cowboys in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick, while the Cowboys also received a 2027 sixth-round selection in the deal.

During his time with the Steelers, he was fined multiple times for reported tardiness to the team's meetings and practices.

He was also criticized for his 'lack of effort' and penalized by the NFL for his unsportsmanlike conduct during games, according to Nick Farabaugh of Steelers Now

Though Pickens is not obligated to attend the team's organised team activities (OTAs) scheduled in June, he is expected to be present for the mandatory minicamp scheduled from June 16-18.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote