The Dallas Cowboys are making plans for the future with standout wide receiver George Pickens in their sights. NFL Insider Ian Rapoport has reported that the franchise is determined to keep Pickens beyond the current season, as he approaches free agency at the end of this year. The Cowboys traded for Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers in the offseason with the hope that he would not only complement fellow receiver CeeDee Lamb but also assist new head coach Brian Schottenheimer in his inaugural year as play-caller.
Pickens has surpassed initial expectations, currently ranking second in the NFL with 908 receiving yards and tied for third with seven touchdown receptions. His remarkable performance has positioned him among elite company, as he becomes only the fourth player in franchise history to achieve over 900 receiving yards and seven touchdowns within the first ten games of a season, joining Cowboys legends Terrell Owens, Michael Irvin, and Bob Hayes.
Negotiations for a contract extension are yet to commence, and much will depend on how much Pickens’ services will cost, with acclaimed agent David Mulugheta at the helm. Positive sentiments from Dak Prescott, Schottenheimer, and Lamb suggest that retaining Pickens is a priority for the team. Echoing this desire, Pickens expressed his enthusiasm for his journey to Dallas in a recent article with The Players’ Tribune, highlighting his eagerness to continue playing alongside key figures like Prescott and Lamb.
The Cowboys’ front office, led by Jerry and Stephen Jones, faces critical decisions concerning Pickens’ future. They have historically utilized the franchise tag as a strategic move to extend negotiations past free agency deadlines. Currently, they are weighing three viable options: signing Pickens to a long-term deal, applying the franchise tag while working out a new contract later, or utilizing the franchise tag as a means to trade him for future draft picks if negotiations become complicated.
In addition to Pickens, Dallas is also eyeing All-Pro kicker Brandon Aubrey, who is set to become a free agent. While initial discussions on Aubrey’s contract have taken place, no agreement has been reached yet, and those talks are expected to continue into the offseason.
Dallas might ultimately have to navigate a delicate balance between securing Pickens and Aubrey, which, as history shows, often brings its share of intrigue and drama each offseason for the Cowboys. The ongoing negotiations not only reflect the team’s ambitions to maintain a competitive roster but also radiate optimism as they look to build a promising future.