Cowboys Could Keep Pickens With $28 Million Move

FRISCO - New Dallas Cowboys receiver George Pickens comes to the NFC East franchise determined to make good on the promise of what can be a brilliant NFL career.

When the trade was announced, many critics hurried to spew skepticism in part because Pickens would be playing in the final year of his contract, meaning it could be seen as a one-year rental with George set for a big payday next offseason if things go well.

Frankly, the more intense the criticism, the more a misunderstanding was exposed.

Simply put, Dallas gave up a third-round pick (and change) to get him ... and if he leaves, they are slated to get a compensatory pick that might very well also be a thrd-round pick.

In that sense, it's a $3.65 million one-year rental ... for free.

Or ...

As a Dallas source points out - and has absolutely been considered - the Cowboys could retain the gifted Pickens as CeeDee Lamb's running mate using another tool.

Yes, he might demand $20 million or $25 million or more on the open market in 2026.

But Dallas doesn't have to let him to to the open market, because the Cowboys could franchise tag him.

The estimated cost of such a one-year move for 2026 is $28 million.

And as it turns out, for now, Pickens isn't interested in contract talks as he wants to help build coach Brian Schottenheimer's vision in 2025 first.

 "I'm kinda where my feet are right now, to be honest," Pickens said. "I'm not really thinking about contract talks. I'm just glad to be with the Cowboys right now, trying to build a winning culture."

In truth, Pickens' play on the field will determine how he is paid next offseason and by whom, with the receiver known for his fiery character on the field sometimes being to the detriment of his team.

He acknowledged that and stated he is taking it one day at a time and that "growth is me moving in a great direction and coming to the Cowboys," so it appears George is well aware of what is in front of him.

Meanwhile, also in front of Dallas are other big contracts to be done. Micah Parsons is next, and then can come the likes of Tyler Smith, DaRon Bland and Brandon Aubrey.

There is enough money to go around. There is only one franchise tag, however.

But for now, for Pickens?

It's a chance to show the NFL world and his new teammates that he can be counted on when the going gets tough, and that he won't let his on-field emotions destroy what Schottenheimer is trying to build.

If he continues along this road of personal growth and puts his best foot forward on the field, he'll be rewarded, and this proposed contract everyone is talking about will take care of itself. ...

Though the "contract'' could come in the form of a franchise tag.

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