George Pickens and the Dallas Cowboys
New Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens was graded as the best deep-ball wide receiver in the NFL last year, according to Pro Football Focus. Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, according to PFF, has the fifth-best grade among quarterbacks on throws of 20 yards or more over the last three seasons.
Add them together, and the combination should – barring any potential off-the-field issues – result in a lot of success for the Cowboys this season. Subsequently, it could result in a problem next season, too.
The Acquisition of George Pickens
The Cowboys were able to buy low on the ultra-talented Pickens this offseason. The Steelers saw a wide receiver who needed to grow up, in the words of Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin. For the price of a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 late-round pick swap, the Steelers relinquished that parenting right to the Cowboys.
Dallas needed a running mate for star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. In Pickens, they might have his most talented.
Early Impressions
So far, through organized team activities and mandatory minicamp, Pickens has passed the test both on and off the field.
“He’s just been outstanding,” said Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones. “Great to see him and his interactions with CeeDee and the receiver room, and then also his interactions with Dak and the quarterbacks. I think he’s thrilled to be here and we’re thrilled to have him here.”
Related: Who is George Pickens? 10 things to know about the Dallas Cowboys wide receiver
The Future of George Pickens with the Cowboys
But how long will Pickens be here? He’s on the final year of his deal, meaning this season likely ends in two ways for the Cowboys. Either things don’t go as planned, and that need to grow up presents itself again, or things go so well that Pickens is likely to cash in on a major deal in free agency next offseason.
A potential contract comparison for Pickens is Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins, who has developed into one of the best secondary receiving options in the NFL next to Ja’Marr Chase. Higgins signed a four-year, $115 million ($28.75 AAV) deal after he received the franchise tag for the second-straight season. A deal like that could net the Cowboys a third-round compensatory pick in the 2027 NFL draft, based on past contract history.
Potential Consequences of Pickens’ Departure
There’s always the potential for an extension or a potential franchise tag from the Cowboys, as well, but there are some problems with those approaches, too. The Cowboys are likely willing to let Pickens prove himself in 2025. If he does, then he won’t be the only one the Cowboys could have interest in bringing back. Cornerback DaRon Bland and tight end Jake Ferguson are among a long list of potential free agents after this season.
If Pickens departs, then the Cowboys will be stuck in the same position they were this offseason: looking for another wide receiver to complement Lamb.
Finding one won’t be easy.
Exploring Options for the Future
Free agency is one option, but the Cowboys aren’t likely to find a player who fits the bill at the price they’re willing or allowed to pay. The Cowboys are slotted to have just over $5 million in cap space in 2026, though that should change after an extension for Micah Parsons and other salary cap moves are made. Even if the Cowboys opened up space, they’ve proven unwilling of late to go after the big-ticket free agents. The last time they signed an external free agent for more than $10 million annually over multiple years was cornerback Brandon Carr in 2012. Washington wide receiver Terry McLaurin — currently seeking an extension — and Tampa Bay wide receiver Mike Evans would likely command more than the Cowboys would be willing to spend.
A trade is possible, just as the Cowboys did with Pickens this year and just as they explored with Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman. That market is hard to forecast, however.
The NFL Draft as an Option
Another option would be the NFL draft, but that path has some problems, too.
Fran Duffy, who worked for the Philadelphia Eagles and is an NFL draft expert for ALLCITY, is constantly adding to his list of players to scout.
Over the years he’s noticed a trend. The draft is filled with capable wide receivers every year. The difference between a good wide receiver draft and a potentially poor one, however, is the amount of high-end talent.
Two years ago, Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze – all top-10 picks – were looked at by Duffy as potential blue-chip prospects. The same could be said this past year for Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, whom the Carolina Panthers selected with the eighth overall pick. Notably, the Cowboys were likely to draft McMillan at No. 12 instead of offensive guard Tyler Booker if McMillan had been available.
A Look Ahead to the Future
The Cowboys couldn’t get McMillan in 2025, but could they find another receiver like him in 2026? So far, there’s an early assessment.
“This year, [in early July], I don’t think there’s anyone we’re projecting on that level,” Duffy said. “Now, that can change. I don’t think anyone had [Texas wide receiver] Matthew Golden as a first-round pick a year ago, and he ended up going to Green Bay. Guys can excel, but right now I think we’re all looking around and saying, ‘Who’s going to be that lock for the first round? That lock for the top 20?’ I don’t think we’re looking at anyone through that prism.”
Related: Risky or not, George Pickens’ playmaking ability is exactly what Dallas Cowboys need
Potential Candidates for the Future
There are some potential candidates, including Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston – a 6-foot-4 prospect who could add that jump-ball complement to Lamb – but even the most talented players on next year’s radar have some questions, Duffy said.
As for now, that’s next year’s problem for Jerry Jones and the Cowboys. They have a potential solution in Pickens this year.
Being with the Cowboys could be a temporary solution for Pickens, too. He said, repeatedly, during his first interview after joining the Cowboys that he isn’t worried about the past or the future. He’s said that he’s focused on doing whatever he can to help the Cowboys win.
“I’m kind of where my feet are, to be honest,” said Pickens, 24.
Next year, we’ll see if his feet stay in Dallas, or if the Cowboys will be on the search for a wide receiver, once again. That search won’t be easy, either.
A Look Ahead to the NFL Draft
Here are the top six projected wide receivers in the NFL draft and where they rank among all players, according to CBS.
No. 15: Clemson WR Antonio Williams
No. 20: Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson
No. 27: Auburn WR Eric Singleton Jr.
No. 36: LSU WR Aaron Anderson
No. 39: Ohio State WR Carnell Tate
No. 43: Washington WR Denzel Boston
Find more Cowboys coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the acquisition of George Pickens by the Dallas Cowboys has the potential to bring significant success to the team this season. However, his future with the team remains uncertain, and the Cowboys may face challenges in finding a suitable replacement if he departs. The NFL draft and free agency are potential options, but both paths have their own set
