It's a foregone conclusion that the Dallas Cowboys will place the franchise tag on impending free-agent wide receiver George Pickens this offseason after his breakout 2025 season. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport wonders if the Cowboys would be willing to slap the franchise tag on Pickens and then turn around and trade him. Dallas acquired the 24-year-old from the Pittsburgh Steelers for a third-rounder, so in theory, the Cowboys could entertain the idea of flipping Pickens for a potential second-rounder. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has shown in the past that he's not afraid of trading star players (see Micah Parsons just last year) for high-end draft capital. Alongside CeeDee Lamb, though, Pickens took Dallas' offense to another level in 2025, and he finished with a career-high 1,429 yards, 93 receptions, and nine touchdowns in 17 games. If Pickens stays in Dallas in 2026, he'll be a strong WR1 target in fantasy football drafts.
Feb 12, 2026 4:26 PM EST
The Dallas Cowboys are expected to place their franchise tag on Second-Team All-Pro wide receiver George Pickens. Dallas acquired Pickens via trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers before the 2025 season, and in his first season with the Cowboys, the fourth-year wideout set career highs in receptions, yards, and touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl nod. Should Pickens hit the open market, he would be the unquestioned prize of the wide receiver free agency class and could easily demand a top-of-the-market deal. By placing the franchise tag on him, the Cowboys would retain Pickens' rights at the cost of roughly $28 million for 2026, with the hope of working toward a long-term extension. Pickens is a borderline top-10 dynasty wide receiver, and his value should continue to rise if the Cowboys succeed in making Dallas his home for the foreseeable future.
Feb 8, 2026 6:11 AM EST
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones reiterated the team's desire to reach a long-term contract extension with impending free-agent wide receiver George Pickens, according to Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "He's better than, as far as what he contributed to our team, showing the potential that he could contribute. I'm looking forward to getting things worked out so George can be a Cowboy a long time," Jones said. In his first year with Dallas in 2025, Pickens led the Cowboys in receiving and earned second-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors with a career-best 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on a career-high 93 receptions over 17 games. Jones and the Cowboys have a history of dragging out extensions for their star players, though, so nothing is guaranteed for Pickens. However, in Pickens' case, the team seems likely to use the franchise tag to keep him around in 2026 if an extension cannot be reached. If Pickens is in Dallas next season, he'll be a clear WR1 target in fantasy drafts.
Feb 6, 2026 3:19 PM EST
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens, who will be an unrestricted free agent in March, said he "would love to" stay with the team after a career year in his first season in Dallas in 2025, according to Tommy Yarrish of NFL.com. Co-owner Stephen Jones reiterated last week that the Cowboys want to keep Pickens in Dallas for 2026 and beyond. However, the team has yet to reach out to Pickens personally to discuss a long-term contract extension. If Dallas cannot reach a long-term extension with the 24-year-old pass-catcher, they could use the franchise tag on him. One way or another, it seems likely that Pickens will be back in Dallas in 2026 after leading the team with 93 catches, 1,429 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns on 137 targets in 17 games. Pickens quickly showed great chemistry with quarterback Dak Prescott, and he'll be a WR1 target in fantasy leagues this fall if he remains with the Cowboys.
Feb 3, 2026 2:24 PM EST
The Dallas Cowboys have not held any contract talks with wide receiver George Pickens' agent, two people briefed on the situation told Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News. It's not concerning that the Cowboys haven't talked to Pickens about an extension yet, and they have expressed a desire to re-sign Pickens since the 2025 season ended. The 24-year-old broke out in his first year with Dallas, setting career highs in catches (93), receiving yards (1,429), and touchdowns (nine), to earn his first Pro Bowl nod. People close to Pickens were hopeful for a contract worth at least $30 million per season after the Cowboys acquired him from Pittsburgh last offseason, but after the big year he had in 2025, that average salary figure will most likely rise. If a long-term deal isn't worked out, the Cowboys can place the franchise tag on Pickens, starting Feb. 17. Most likely, Pickens will remain in Dallas for at least one more season on the franchise tag, where he'll be an early-round fantasy pick as a WR1.
Feb 2, 2026 8:19 AM EST
There is a "strong belief" that the Dallas Cowboys will utilize the franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens, according to Todd Archer of ESPN.com. Pickens had an excellent first season in Dallas, catching 93 passes for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns. All three of those marks were career-highs, as was his finish as the overall WR5 in full-PPR leagues. Pickens surpassed teammate CeeDee Lamb in all of those categories, too, but it's worth noting that the former played three additional games. Nevertheless, Pickens showed that he is absolutely capable of being a superstar No. 1 wide receiver in any NFL offense. As a result, he would fetch an enormous contract in free agency if he makes it that far. Archer speculates that Pickens could make more than Lamb ($34 million per year) in free agency, so the Cowboys will likely use the franchise tag to bring him back on a one-year, $28 million deal. While $62 million is a lot of money tied up to two receivers, a combination of Lamb and Pickens helps give Dallas one of the best offenses in the NFL, especially with quarterback Dak Prescott playing at a high level. Of course, the franchise tag is just a temporary fix, as it would push Pickens' free agency one year down the road. According to Archer, the last time that Dallas signed a franchise-tagged player to a long-term deal before the July extension deadline was 2015 (Dez Bryant).
Feb 1, 2026 6:30 AM EST
In his first year with the Dallas Cowboys in 2025, wide receiver George Pickens had a career year, catching 93 of his 137 targets for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns in 17 games in his fourth year in the NFL. It earned the 24-year-old former second-round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022 his first Pro Bowl nod. Only Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Puka Nacua had more receiving yards than Pickens, and his 93 receptions ranked sixth among all wideouts. Despite CeeDee Lamb's presence, Pickens was Dallas' leading receiver and had the eighth-most targets among all WRs in the NFL. Because of the big year he had for the Cowboys, they will almost certainly keep him around in 2026, via either a long-term extension or franchise tag. Pickens always had high-end talent, but the move to Dallas with quarterback Dak Prescott and a pass-happy offense was the perfect fit. Another big year could be in store in 2026.
Jan 29, 2026 9:39 PM EST
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens rebounded last week against the Chargers after a two-game lull entering Week 16. Pickens racked up seven catches for 130 yards and a touchdown on nine targets in Week 16, marking his fifth game with at least 130 receiving yards, tied with Puka Nacua for the most in the league. It's been a tremendous first season in Dallas for the former Pittsburgh Steeler, ranking as the WR4 in PPR points. He gets another opportunity to add to his career highs in various receiving stats on Christmas Day against a porous Washington Commanders defense that has allowed the sixth most PPR points per game to wide receivers. Pickens should be fired up again as a borderline WR1 in Week 17.
Dec 25, 2025 12:50 AM EST
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens bounced back with a massive performance during Sunday's contest against the Los Angeles Chargers. Before this game, Pickens was held to under 40 receiving yards in each of his last two contests. Pickens rebounded with a massive performance against the Chargers' defense in Week 16. He hauled in seven of his nine targets for 103 yards and a touchdown in the loss. This marked the fifth time this season that Pickens has surpassed 100 yards in a single game. The 24-year-old has been elite with 88 receptions, 1,342 yards, and nine touchdowns heading into the Week 17 matchup against the Washington Commanders.
Dec 21, 2025 6:49 PM EST
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens is coming off his worst two-game stretch of the season and faces a Chargers defense in Week 16 that has been the sixth-toughest matchup for opposing receivers. In spite of that, he ranks as RotoBaller's WR12 for the week and should be a reliable play for the fantasy semifinals. The Cowboys are slight home favorites in a game that features the second-highest over/under of the week. Prior to his mini-slump, Pickens faced two of the league's stingiest pass defenses in the Eagles and Chiefs, and was able to put up a combined 234 yards with a receiving touchdown. And despite failing to crack a 20% target share in either of the past two games, with Dallas' high-volume passing attack, that has still been enough for a healthy 15 targets over that span. With Javonte Williams (neck) limited to begin the week and CeeDee Lamb (illness) unable to practice until Friday, it would not be surprising to learn that this week's install featured a healthy dose of Pickens, and he remains a trustworthy start despite his last two lackluster efforts.
Dec 20, 2025 12:09 PM EST
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens is coming off one of the worst showings of his breakout season, but he is still worth viewing as a WR1 in all formats when he faces the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night. Last Thursday, Pickens brought in just five of his nine targets for a mere 37 yards. This was his lowest total since Week 1, when he tallied only 30 yards on three receptions. His production last week was quite disappointing as the team's No. 1 WR, CeeDee Lamb, exited with a concussion. Still, Pickens was unable to connect with quarterback Dak Prescott. However, managers should continue to view Pickens as a must-start option as he enters Week 15 as the overall WR2 in PPR scoring despite his Week 14 dud. During Weeks 11 through 13, Pickens averaged an elite 24.6 PPR points per game and totaled 126 yards per game with two receiving scores. Overall, Pickens has found the back of the end zone eight times, which is the same number of times he found the end zone as a Steeler during the 2023 and 2024 seasons combined. Despite facing an elite Minnesota secondary that enters the fantasy playoffs allowing the fewest PPR points to opposing WRs, and Lamb cleared for action, Pickens still carries immense upside in all formats and is a must-start WR1 in all league types.
Dec 12, 2025 7:47 PM EST
Senior News Writer Kevin Patra of NFL.com reported Tuesday morning that coach Brian Schottenheimer spoke with George Pickens about what most reporters and analysts considered a "lack of effort from Pickens" in the Cowboys' Week 14 matchup against the Detroit Lions. Schottenheimer said he "wasn't making a mountain out of a mole hill." In other words, Schottenheimer is not worried about Pickens' "lack of effort" and wants them both to move on to Week 15. For those who may have missed it, Pickens was the talk of the town come Friday morning, as many reporters and analysts noticed Pickens' lack of effort on a handful of plays in the nationally televised Thursday Night Football game, which was pivotal for both teams to win based on the NFC standings. Overall, it's excellent that Schottenheimer and Pickens were able to talk about it and move on. Pickens has been phenomenal this season and is likely on many fantasy football teams' playoff rosters. For the season, he has 1,179 receiving yards and eight touchdowns on 78 receptions. He has been a top-five wide receiver all season, and the Cowboys are right in the thick of things in the NFL playoff picture, so they are going to need their star wideout at the top of his game. Additionally, Pickens is a lineup lock in your fantasy rosters.
Dec 10, 2025 9:31 AM EST
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens has already posted career highs in receptions (73), receiving yards (1,142), and touchdowns in 12 games this season. Pickens has been a seamless fit in his first year with the Cowboys and has formed one of the most dynamic wide receiver duos in the league with CeeDee Lamb. The 24-year-old was limited in practice on Monday with calf and knee injuries, but he has been cleared from the injury report and is all set to play Thursday night against the Detroit Lions. It's a dream matchup for the former Pittsburgh Steeler, as Detroit has played man coverage at a league-high 42.8% clip this season. Pickens has arguably been the best receiver against man coverage this season, leading all players by a wide margin with 463 yards against man, per Fantasy Points Data. In a matchup featuring the highest projected point total of the week, Pickens profiles as one of the best wide receivers in fantasy football in Week 14.
Dec 4, 2025 1:13 AM EST
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (calf, knee) has been cleared from the injury report and will play Thursday night against the Detroit Lions, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. Pickens was listed as a limited participant on Monday with multiple injuries, but he was upgraded to full on Tuesday. The 24-year-old has excelled in his first season in Dallas, recording 73 receptions for 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns on 105 targets in 12 games. He is one of just three wide receivers to already clear 1,000 yards, along with Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Puka Nacua. Pickens again profiles as an elite fantasy football option in a matchup with the highest projected point total of the week versus the Lions on Thursday night.
Dec 3, 2025 3:00 PM EST
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (calf, knee) upgraded to a full practice on Tuesday, according to Todd Archer of ESPN Dallas. Pickens is on the injury report for the second straight week with multiple injuries and was listed as limited on Monday. The 24-year-old was removed from last week's injury report and played 74% of the offensive snaps in the win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Thanksgiving Day last Thursday, hauling in six of a season-high 13 targets for 88 yards. Pickens has taken off with his move to Dallas and currently is the WR2 in half-PPR scoring through 13 weeks with 73 receptions on 105 targets for 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns in 12 games. He's tied for seventh among all wideouts (with Justin Jefferson) in targets (105), is tied for fifth in receptions (with Chris Olave and Wan'Dale Robinson), and is second in the NFL in receiving yards. Pickens should be active on Thursday and is a must-start against the Detroit Lions in Week 14.
Dec 2, 2025 6:21 PM EST
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (calf, knee) was listed as limited on the team's practice report on Monday with calf and knee injuries, according to Todd Archer of ESPN. It's the second straight week that Pickens has been on Dallas' injury report with multiple injuries. The 24-year-old was working through calf and knee ailments last week, too, but he was ultimately cleared for the Thanksgiving Day win over the Kansas City Chiefs and caught six of a season-high 13 targets for 88 receiving yards. He took a back seat to teammate CeeDee Lamb in that one, but he could easily bounce back for better production this Thursday night against a Lions defense that hasn't stopped much of anything in recent weeks. Fantasy managers should have Pickens locked into starting lineups in Week 14 for what should be a high-scoring affair.
Dec 1, 2025 5:30 PM EST
The Dallas Cowboys are looking to retain wide receiver George Pickens for 2026 and beyond. According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones does not want Pickens playing elsewhere in 2026. "We've got two No. 1 wide receivers," said Jones. Pickens was acquired by the Cowboys this offseason and has been excellent for Dallas in 2025. The 24-year-old has racked up 67 catches for 1,054 yards and eight touchdowns over 11 games. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2025 season as he's in the final year of his rookie deal. The Cowboys could also place the franchise tag on Pickens if they are unable to agree on a contract extension. Pickens is a low-end WR1 in dynasty if he remains in Dallas, where the Cowboys are looking to extend and sign the former Steeler to a long-term deal. Pickens will look to keep things rolling against the Chiefs on Thanksgiving.
Nov 27, 2025 1:24 PM EST
Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports on Wednesday that, despite being limited by calf and knee injuries in practice this week, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (calf, knee) is expected to play on Thanksgiving against the Kansas City Chiefs, per a source. Pickens popped up on the injury report earlier this week, which caused some stress for Cowboy fans and Pickens' fantasy owners. Still, leading up to the Thanksgiving matchup against the Chiefs, it appears that Pickens will be good to go and can be started confidently as a WR1. Pickens has been spectacular in 2025, heading for career highs, and currently has 1,054 receiving yards and eight touchdowns on 67 receptions through 11 games. Even with CeeDee Lamb returning from injury after missing three weeks earlier in the season, Pickens has continued to produce at an extremely high level and has now scored more than 10 fantasy points in half PPR leagues in all but one game this season, which was Week 1 in his first game as a Cowboy. That puts him at the WR2 overall on the season in fantasy points scored in half PPR leagues, only behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Nov 26, 2025 9:30 AM EST
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (calf, knee) was officially listed as limited at Tuesday's practice, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic. Pickens was estimated as a non-participant on Monday, so it's an upgrade for the 24-year-old's status heading into Thursday's Thanksgiving Day game against the visiting Kansas City Chiefs in Week 13. Pickens is a little banged up with multiple injuries, but he's fully expected to play this week and should remain locked into all fantasy football lineups as Dallas' No. 1 wideout in 2025. Pickens brings a 67-1,054-8 line into Thursday's game on 92 targets in his first year with the Cowboys. The matchup against the Chiefs is not ideal, but Pickens is a must-start as the WR2 in half-PPR scoring this year.
Nov 25, 2025 5:11 PM EST
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (knee/calf) will practice on Tuesday after being listed as a limited participant on Monday's estimated injury report. Pickens was banged up during the team's Week 12 win over the Eagles, spending a few snaps on the sideline, but he was able to return to action and ultimately ended the game with nine receptions for 146 yards and a touchdown. Pickens has been a fantasy MVP this season, currently the overall WR2, and he has recently put to rest any fears that the return of All-Pro CeeDee Lamb would eat into his ceiling potential. Playing in another island game on Thanksgiving, Pickens remains a strong WR1 play in Week 13, even against a stifling Kansas City defense.
Nov 25, 2025 2:26 PM EST
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