SAN FRANCISCO — As the final week of the NFL regular season unfolds, the spotlight is on the Super Bowl LX matchup between Seattle and New England. Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys are already pivoting to offseason activities, particularly in managing their roster for the upcoming season.
Among their key considerations is the future of running back Javonte Williams, a pending free agent. Preliminary discussions have begun, though the Cowboys are awaiting Williams to finalize the hiring of an agent before moving forward.
Of greater significance is the status of wide receiver George Pickens, who emerges as a focal point for Dallas as they navigate contract negotiations. Club officials have yet to engage in talks with Pickens’ agent, but insiders believe this is not cause for alarm—yet. The shadow of last offseason looms large, when the Cowboys failed to secure a deal with star pass rusher Micah Parsons, leading to a trade. The front office is acutely aware of the importance of timely negotiations.
Since joining the Cowboys via trade from Pittsburgh last offseason, Pickens has made a substantial impact on the field. He posted career highs last season with 93 receptions, 1,429 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl selection. His noteworthy performance has raised expectations and speculation regarding his contract demand, which many believe could exceed $30 million per season.
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and fellow receiver CeeDee Lamb have both expressed their hope for Pickens’ return, emphasizing his value to the team. Current market conditions, with wide receivers like Cincinnati’s Ja’Marr Chase and Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson commanding lucrative contracts, bolster Pickens’ negotiating position. As teams look to secure their star players, the Cowboys are under pressure to act decisively.
The relationship between Pickens’ agent, Trevon Smith, and the Cowboys organization could facilitate negotiations. Smith shares tight connections with the team and has previously arranged discussions on behalf of other athletes, ensuring that maintaining dialogue is a possibility.
Nevertheless, if the Cowboys are unable to finalize a deal, they possess the option of placing a franchise tag on Pickens, projected to be valued at $28.8 million for wide receivers. This would not preclude negotiations but could complicate training camps and offseason commitments, especially in light of previous contract disputes such as Parsons’.
The Cowboys face a pivotal offseason, and the management’s approach to securing Pickens’ future will be closely monitored. By tackling negotiations early, the team hopes to sidestep issues that could arise in the summer, ultimately prioritizing a seamless continuation for one of their standout players.