The Dallas Cowboys have not engaged in contract extension talks with wide receiver George Pickens or his representatives with a week remaining before this year's trade deadline, a source told Ed Werder of ESPN. Pickens is on an expiring contract that will end after the 2025 season. Werder mentions that placing the franchise tag on Pickens is an option to Dallas that would cost a projected $28 million for the 2026 campaign. The 24-year-old former second-round pick has been an excellent addition to the Cowboys' offense this year, catching 43 of his 63 targets for 685 yards and a career-high six touchdowns in eight games played. Not only has Pickens been an excellent WR2 to help take attention off CeeDee Lamb, but he has also avoided any off-the-field distractions and has had a mature approach after character concerns surfaced in Pittsburgh. Even though an extension hasn't really been discussed, it doesn't mean he won't be back in Dallas next year.
Oct 28, 2025 3:35 PM EST
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens is having an excellent first season in Dallas, and the Cowboys could be considering an extension for him. "Any and everything about George Pickens has crossed our minds. ... Certainly he's a topic of interest and discussions because of the success he's having," owner Jerry Jones said on Tuesday on 105.3 The Fan. The 24-year-old currently has 36 receptions on 54 targets for 607 yards and a career-high six touchdowns through the first seven weeks of the 2025 campaign. Those numbers have been good enough to place Pickens as the No. 4 fantasy wideout in half-PPR scoring. It helped that fellow wideout CeeDee Lamb missed three games due to a high-ankle sprain, but Pickens was still productive with four catches and 82 yards in Week 7 after Lamb returned. He should continue to remain heavily involved in Dallas' pass-heavy attack along Lamb, making him a weekly must-start in fantasy.
Oct 21, 2025 12:07 PM EST
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens has held down the No. 1 WR role effectively with CeeDee Lamb (ankle) missing the last three games. Lamb is set to make his return in Week 7, sliding Pickens back into the No. 2 role. He racked up 19 catches for 359 yards and four touchdowns on 26 targets in Lamb's absence and should still have a big role in Dallas' elite offense. Even with Lamb back in the lineup, Pickens should be poised for another productive fantasy day against a vulnerable Washington secondary. He caught five of seven targets for 91 yards and a touchdown against them last year with the Steelers, and will rank as a borderline WR1 for Week 7.
Oct 18, 2025 1:23 PM EST
Through six weeks, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens leads the NFL with six touchdown receptions, while his 525 yards trail only Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Puka Nacua. Asked on Tuesday about a potential contract extension, Cowboys owner and GM Jerry Jones touched upon Pickens' fit within the locker room before saying the team would need to think about "having some room available if [they] are gonna pay a second receiver at that level." The Cowboys acquired Pickens in an offseason trade, and as he plays out the final season of his rookie contract, he currently represents the gem of the 2026 free agency class at the position. It remains to be seen if he can keep up his torrid pace when CeeDee Lamb (ankle) returns from injury, but wherever he ends up next season, he'll likely see a deal in excess of $30 million per year. He should be viewed as a fringe WR1 in both redraft and dynasty formats.
Oct 14, 2025 2:13 PM EST
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens caught nine of his 11 targets for 168 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's Week 6 loss to the Carolina Panthers. The interim No. 1 receiver certainly lived up to the hype, adequately filling for CeeDee Lamb (ankle) for the fourth week in a row. He has five consecutive games with a touchdown, totaling six trips to the end zone during that span. The former Steeler has quickly emerged as a top-six wide receiver in fantasy football thanks to his receiving skills, the great play of quarterback Dak Prescott, and the Cowboys' general ability to rack up yardage. Playing in a negative or even game script certainly doesn't hurt, either. Pickens should remain a viable WR1 option heading into Week 7 against the Washington Commanders.
Oct 12, 2025 7:34 PM EST
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens had only two catches in the Week 5 win over the Jets. While Ryan Flournoy led the way with six receptions (nine targets), Pickens at least had a touchdown, finding the end zone off of a 43-yard pass from Dak Prescott in the third quarter. With CeeDee Lamb (ankle) and KaVontae Turpin (foot) sidelined, Prescott will need others to step up once again in the Week 6 meeting with the Panthers. Although that could mean continued added involvement from Flournoy and Jake Ferguson, who had two touchdowns versus New York, Pickens is still considered the No. 1 option on the depth chart against Carolina, making him worthy of a place in any fantasy lineup.
Oct 11, 2025 12:01 AM EST
Coming off a monster Week 4, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens could be an even more active part of the Week 5 game plan, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic. The offseason trade acquisition had his best game of the season last week against Green Bay, going for eight catches, 134 yards, and two touchdowns in Dallas' first full game without CeeDee Lamb (ankle). This week, with a matchup against the New York Jets and cornerback Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner looming, Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said the club plans to move Pickens all over formations to create favorable matchups. That should sound good to managers who roster Pickens, who figures to continue as the top option in Dallas as long as Lamb is out.
Oct 2, 2025 9:41 AM EST
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens caught eight of his 11 targets for 134 yards and two touchdowns during Sunday's Week 4 tie with the Green Bay Packers. He had one of the better single-game performances for a wide receiver this season and ranks fifth among receivers in fantasy points through four weeks. His increased productivity this week was a direct product of the Cowboys operating without CeeDee Lamb (ankle), who is in the early stages of a multi-week absence. Pickens will remain the top receiver in Dallas for the foreseeable future, which means he should continue to be viewed as a high-end WR2 with WR1 upside. He'll look to overcome a tough matchup against New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner next week.
Sep 29, 2025 12:43 AM EST
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens was targeted nine times in Week 3, finishing with five catches for 68 yards and a touchdown in his team's 31-14 loss to the Chicago Bears. Pickens could be in for a significant target increase over the next few weeks with the news that top Dallas wideout CeeDee Lamb (ankle) suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 3. Pickens has now logged nine targets in back-to-back weeks, although it's worth noting that he could still be behind Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson in the target pecking order in Dallas. If Lamb cannot play in Week 4, Pickens would likely profile as a must-start fantasy wide receiver in Week 4, even in a tough matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
Sep 22, 2025 10:18 AM EST
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens participated in 92% (56) of the team's snaps during their loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1, the exact figure as star teammate CeeDee Lamb. The fourth-year pro didn't garner the same lofty target total Lamb drew (13), placing third on the team behind tight end Jake Ferguson, who had six (four). However, Pickens was out there for darn-near every snap and drew a long pass interference penalty. While quarterback Dak Prescott couldn't connect with his new wideout on any deep targets, there will be plenty more opportunities for the duo to do so. Furthermore, Lamb should draw extra coverage frequently, giving Pickens plenty of one-on-one opportunities on the outside. He's a WR3 with high-end WR2 upside.
Sep 11, 2025 12:11 PM EST
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens has been "energized" by playing in a different offensive scheme this year, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic. Additionally, Machota writes that the 24-year-old is "being showcased in different routes and concepts" than he was with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where Pickens spent the first three seasons of his career. Pickens is known as a ball-winning outside receiver, and he led the NFL in yards per reception (18.1) back in 2023. However, it sounds as though Dallas could be looking to vary Pickens' route tree in 2025, which could help him see more target volume (career 6.1 targets per game). He enters the year as the clear number two option in the Cowboys' passing game behind star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. Pickens profiles as a low-end WR2/high-end WR3 in fantasy.
Sep 3, 2025 11:13 AM EST
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens is set to make his first appearance with his new team this Thursday against the Philadelphia Eagles. Pickens arrived in Dallas after an offseason trade, and he's expected to have a sizable role in an offense that should lean heavily on the passing attack this year. The 24-year-old has eclipsed 800 yards in each of his three pro seasons, and he could soar even higher this year if opposing defenses commit most of their attention to covering CeeDee Lamb. Plus, we expect Dallas to be playing from behind in a potential shootout against the Philadelphia Eagles, which means that Lamb, Pickens, and other Cowboys pass catchers could be peppered with targets. All in all, managers should trust Pickens as a low-end WR3/FLEX option in 12-team leagues this week.
Sep 2, 2025 11:42 PM EST
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated writes that it's a good sign of Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens in head coach Brian Schottenheimer's offense that the coaches have been able to "move him around to different receiver spots after he was exclusively an X receiver (split end) in Pittsburgh." Pickens and CeeDee Lamb worked out together in Florida in the offseason, and new receivers coach Junior Adams "has had the two working off each other constantly to try and build culture in his room." Things didn't end well for Pickens with the Steelers, but the early signs going into his first year in Dallas are "pretty good." The 24-year-old former second-rounder has had at least 801 receiving yards in each of his first three seasons. He's going to take a back seat to Lamb in this offense, but in what should be a pass-happy scheme, Pickens has lots of upside as a WR3/flex in fantasy in his new home.
Aug 5, 2025 9:16 PM EST
Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said that wide receiver George Pickens' ability to track a deep ball is uncanny and will be utilized in various formations. "He's been great with the ability to move him around," said Schottenheimer. "To maximize him, he can't play just one spot, can't play just the X spot. We are going to move him around, as CeeDee Lamb and he need to be interchangeable." Pickens has looked explosive in camp and has even lined up on the same side as Lamb in some formations. "When he's not doubled, he's really open, Schottenheimer added. The Cowboys traded a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-rounder to the Steelers to acquire Pickens this offseason. The 24-year-old caught 59 passes for 900 yards and three touchdowns for the Steelers last season. Pickens is currently WR30 in the latest RotoBaller rankings, but that rank could rise if he continues to have an impressive camp.
Jul 23, 2025 6:22 AM EST
Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said he has been impressed with the early work of wide receiver George Pickens, especially in the meeting room. "I see a guy that's maturing," Schottenheimer said. The Cowboys made a splash this offseason by acquiring Pickens and a 2026 sixth-round draft pick from the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a 2026 third-rounder and a 2027 fifth-rounder. The 24-year-old is a nice upgrade at WR2 behind CeeDee Lamb in Dallas, and it's also a nice move for Pickens' fantasy value in 2025, as he'll be working with by far the best quarterback in his career in Dak Prescott. The former second-rounder in 2022 out of Georgia has had at least 801 yards receiving in his three NFL seasons but should have a chance for a career year in Dallas in 2025 in an offense that should be pass-happy under Schottenheimer.
May 20, 2025 1:30 PM EST
While with the Pittsburgh Steelers, opposing defenses often double-teamed wide receiver George Pickens or shaded a safety to his side. Now with the Dallas Cowboys, The Athletic's Ted Nguyen and Saad Yousuf think that teams will continue to double-team CeeDee Lamb, which will mean more one-on-one coverage for Pickens. The 24-year-old was dealt for a third-round pick because of his inconsistent effort on the field in Pittsburgh, but on paper, he's the perfect complement to Lamb as one of the league's best go-ball receivers that can really stretch a defense down the field. While his effort is lacking and Lamb will draw his fair share of targets, there's no denying that Pickens will be playing with the best QB of his career in Dak Prescott in an offense that should be pass-happy. If Pickens can stay healthy, he'll have a chance for a career year in 2025.
May 13, 2025 1:12 PM EST
The Dallas Cowboys' plan is for newly acquired wide receiver George Pickens to play out his rookie deal in 2025, a source tells ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. The Cowboys swung a trade for Pickens and a 2026 sixth-round draft pick with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday in exchange for a 2026 third-rounder and a 2027 fifth-rounder. The 24-year-old Pickens gives Dallas a big upgrade at the No. 2 receiver spot behind All-Pro CeeDee Lamb. Although Pickens is going to have plenty of competition for targets from Lamb -- he would have had that in Pittsburgh as well alongside DK Metcalf -- the move to Dallas should be overwhelmingly positive for his fantasy value in 2025. Pickens will now be working with quarterback Dak Prescott in an offense that could be very pass-heavy when considering their mediocre backfield options. The former second-rounder has 2,841 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns in his three NFL seasons.
May 7, 2025 1:02 PM EST
The Dallas Cowboys have officially announced that they acquired wide receiver George Pickens and a 2027 sixth-round pick from the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick. The Pickens trade had been reported earlier in the morning on Wednesday, but the Cowboys' announcement provided details on the return package and officially confirmed the transaction. The trade gives Dallas a very strong No. 2 wide receiver alongside CeeDee Lamb, perhaps reinforcing Dallas' desire to operate a pass-heavy offense in 2025. After all, the Cowboys have one of the NFL's weaker backfields, so being able to move the ball through the air is a priority. Pickens piqued Dallas' interest during the draft, and the Cowboys now make the move to get him less than two weeks later. For Pittsburgh, this trade downgrades an already weak offense. Although Pittsburgh did go out to get DK Metcalf this offseason, they might struggle to get passing production out of a quarterback room that features Will Howard, Mason Rudolph, and Skylar Thompson. The pass-catching depth chart is also weak beyond Metcalf and Pat Freiermuth, and the backfield now features Jaylen Warren after the team lost Najee Harris in free agency. Metcalf remains a high-end WR3 option for fantasy purposes, Freiermuth could be a fine security blanket once again, and Warren figures to have heavy involvement on the ground. Meanwhile, Pickens' quarterback upgrade gives him a major fantasy boost. At the same time, there shouldn't be any panic about CeeDee Lamb; there are plenty of targets to go around, and he remains a strong fantasy WR1.
May 7, 2025 10:11 AM EST
The Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to trade wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys for draft pick compensation. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the deal will include a third-round draft pick and other pick swaps. The move is expected to be finalized on Wednesday. Pickens is in the final year of his rookie deal and is ultimately looking for a contract extension in 2025. The 24-year-old hauled in 59 catches for 900 yards and three touchdowns over 14 games for the Steelers last season. Pickens should see an uptick in production in a better offense with the move to Dallas as quarterback Dak Precott's No. 2 option behind CeeDee Lamb. Unless the Steelers bring in a wide receiver, Roman Wilson, Robert Woods, and Calvin Austin III will compete for Pittsburgh's WR2 role behind DK Metcalf. Pickens to the Cowboys is close to being finalized, and the trade details should be announced later on Wednesday.
May 7, 2025 7:52 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens' name was tossed around in trade discussions last week during the 2025 NFL draft, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, and the Dallas Cowboys were one of the teams that talked about bringing him in, according to sources. Nothing went down with Pickens, though, and now that the draft is over, it's expected that trade buzz surrounding Pickens will cool off. While the 24-year-old wideout was the subject of some trade talks, the Steelers never really seemed adamant about moving him and are excited about the possibilities in 2025 with a 1-2 receiver punch of Pickens and DK Metcalf. Pickens' long-term future with the team is in question, though, as he heads into the final year of his rookie deal. The former second-rounder came short of the 1,000-yard mark for a second straight season, and his fantasy arrow is pointing down after the addition of Metcalf.
Apr 29, 2025 1:20 PM EST
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