As the Dallas Cowboys weigh wide receiver George Pickens’ long-term future, his growing chemistry with quarterback Dak Prescott is already strengthening the team's offense.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, in his appearance on the Saturday morning edition of SportsCenter, he reported that Pickens will likely stay with the Cowboys after he was spotted working out with Prescott throughout the offseason.

"He signed the franchise tag, $27 million,” Fowler said. “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. Loves being a Cowboy, loves a long-term deal more.” 

Though he missed the voluntary workouts this offseason, Fowler added that he is expected to be present for the training camp in late July and is unlikely to hold out entering the 2026 season. 

Prescott showed his support and expressed confidence in the receiver’s commitment and fit within the team during the team's recent annual charity home run derby.

“I’ve just shown George my support,” Prescott said. "He’s a h*** of a talent. We’ve thrown this offseason. I’m comfortable where he’s at, and I’m excited for when he can get in the building and get rolling.”

Prescott completed 404 of 600 passes attempted, gaining 4,552 yards and scoring 30 touchdowns, while Pickens posted 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns in 2025. 

With the same 11 starters set to return in 2026, FOX Sports analyst Ralph Vacchiano expects the offense to remain highly productive. He even placed Prescott’s supporting cast second in the league behind only the Los Angeles Rams, giving special praise to CeeDee Lamb and Pickens.

Still, the Cowboys are yet to commit to a long-term deal with the Pro Bowler, making him play on a non-exclusive franchise tag for the 2026 season. 

George Pickens’ Contract Situation Still Unresolved in Dallas 

Pickens is currently signed under the non-exclusive franchise tag of $27.3 million, with no long-term deal on the table.

Under this tag, the team holds the right of first refusal to match any offer sheet. And if the trade deal gets through, they would receive two first-round draft picks as compensation for trading Pickens.  

The executives of the franchise have time till July 15 to negotiate a long-term extension with Pickens. If extended, his market value will be next to Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba ($42.15 million per year).

The Cowboys COO, Stephen Jones, has previously mentioned they have 'no plans of trading Pickens', but they are not willing to sign a long-term extension either.

Jones cited the cost of maintaining two elite wide receivers as a factor, and considering an extension may hit their cap structure. 

The team is investing heavily at the wide receiver position with Lamb ($34 million annually) and Pickens ($27.3 million) under the franchise tag this year. According to Spotrac, the Cowboys have the fourth-biggest annual outlay on wideouts at $76.1 million. 

Will the offseason training with Prescott lead Pickens to put in a stronger performance than last season and earn the Cowboys' trust for a long-term deal? Share your thoughts.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar