As George Pickens heads toward free agency, new reports suggest it's not the only problem the Cowboys face regarding the star wide receiver's future. 

According to ESPN NFL Nation reporter Todd Archer, Pickens had issues in the locker room, along with punctuality problems. 

Archer wrote, "The questions about him in Pittsburgh - maturity, timeliness - weren't as much of a problem for the Cowboys. That doesn't mean those issues disappeared when he arrived in Dallas. Coach Brian Schottenheimer alluded to Pickens still being late to things, and multiple sources said Pickens was fined during the season."

The fine might be related to Pickens missing a team bus for a game against the Las Vegas Raiders last year, which led to him getting benched along with CeeDee Lamb. 

This revelation comes as a surprise to fans, given his career-best season last year, which even earned him a spot in the Pro Bowl. Insiders, however, are not surprised, considering his track record with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

He was, in fact, the most fined player of the Steelers squad in 2024, with fines totaling to $90,548. This complicates the Cowboys' decision on whether to keep Pickens. The WR's off-field behavior aside, his performance on the field has been unquestionable.

George Pickens May Look to Leave Despite a Stellar Season

Pickens recorded elite stats in his first season with the Cowboys. He recorded a career-best of 1,429 receiving yards, 93 receptions, and nine touchdowns. The Cowboys' offense, featuring Pickens, CeeDee Lamb, and quarterback Dak Prescott, was one of the league's best last season.

Despite posting such elite numbers, it came as a surprise to fans when Micah Parsons hinted that Pickens might be joining the Green Bay Packers. 

Parsons and Pickens share the same agent, David Mulugheta, who negotiated the deal for Parsons' move to the Packers. 

With this uncertainty, the Cowboys may exercise a franchise tag on Pickens.

What do you think will be the Cowboys’ move regarding Pickens? Let us know in the comments. 

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Written by

Shyam Hari

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi