Despite a lack of long-term contract talks, George Pickens is embracing Dallas. Insider reports suggest the star wideout will skip a holdout to chase career-high numbers alongside Dak Prescott.
FRISCO - You want the George Pickens/Dallas Cowboys truth?
Or do you want to be fed the same ol' regurgitated pablum that's driving a "big'' ESPN story that in truth is obviously all about clickbait?
Let's make clear five key points here ...
POINT 1 - Pickens, the star wide receiver who is under contract for 2026 via his signing of the $27.3 million franchise tag, remains a major storyline - there is no debate there.
There is more clarity here as well.
POINT 2 - The Cowboys have publicly stated that they adore Pickens ... but also that they are not planning on negotiating a long-term contract at this time, quite obviously choosing patience while Pickens "proves himself again'' in 2026.
POINT 3 - Meanwhile, there is every indication - from Pickens himself and from those close to him - that he's enjoyed immersing himself in the Cowboys experience after being traded here a year ago from Pittsburgh, where the relationship went sour in part due to Pickens' "behavioral baggage.''
POINT 4 - More clarity: Pickens has been working out with Dak Prescott (in the QB's "Dakyard'') and has been hanging out and even vacationing with BFF receiver CeeDee Lamb.
POINT 5 - And one more item: During the most recent voluntary sessions, Pickens was a no-show. ... with the team anticipating that he will be present once the sessions are mandatory (on June 16, when Dallas’ first three-day minicamp launches).
So what's "new'' here? What are the updated "rumors''? What is driving NFL "insider'' Jeremy Fowler's breathless weekend appearance on ESPN’s "SportsCenter "?
Umm ... clickbait?
Fowler's wording: “(Pickens) loves being a Cowboy, loves a long-term deal more. They weren’t able to get one, but they’re hopeful down the road they can work it out. ... But I don’t expect a holdout at this point, should be locked in for the Cowboys in 2026.”
What's "new'' here?
What's "news'' here?
None of it.
The prediction on Pickens not holding out from mandatory work is a common one - driven both by comments from Cowboys management and by logic; why sign the contract and then hold out?
The note that Pickens “loves” being a Cowboy is also well-established. People close to him have suggested to us that part of his affection for this move is playing with Prescott, by far the most legit QB he's ever worked with.
And regarding that "long-term contract'' desire? You mean he prefers being paid, say, $140 million over being paid $27.3 million? Yes, we're pretty sure that's true.
In the end, could this all go in a different direction? Sure. Management could change its mind on a long-term deal. Or Pickens could change his mind regarding happiness and allow himself to be upset by the arrangement.
But neither of those directions are presently part of the plan for anybody involved. The contract, the "love,'' the relationships ... all of that is established. None of that is new.
Now, if we get to June 16 minicamp and Pickens makes waves by ditching his requirement to show up? That'll be news. We'll be inside The Star reporting that. And we'll let you know.
