The Cowboys have said all the right things about Pickens' contract, but that has yet to be matched by action.
Dallas Cowboys fans are readying themselves for another long, drawn-out contract saga this offseason, as George Pickens' future will remain headline news.
Since Dallas slapped the franchise tag on its Pro Bowl receiver, there has been no contact about a potential long-term deal.
It feels like Dallas is content with having Pickens play on the tag in 2026, which is roughly $27 million, but we know that George probably prefers a long-term deal.
Everything that the Cowboys have said publicly is what you want them to say. There's been no shots taken at Pickens or his agent, not unlike the Micah Parsons saga last offseason.
But given we are nearing the draft, and the Cowboys haven't held talks with Pickens, it is no wonder Cowboys Nation is getting a little antsy.
For NFL Network's Jane Slater, she gets the feeling that Jerry Jones wants Pickens here long-term.
"Where Jerry stands on it, we've heard some of his comments, just reading between the lines, I get the sense that he wants him here, he seems optimistic," Slater said. "Though team sources have told me, Pickens, at times, had been habitually late to meetings, on the field, it's been a move that has paid off.
"If you look at how Dallas has moved in free agency, there doesn't seem to be panic as it relates to the wide receivers room. If anything, I think they've been intentional with what they've done, they've focused solely on defense, and I think that's a good thing."
With the Cowboys focusing fully on defense this offseason, as Jane says, it suggests there isn't any real panic in the receiver room.
If Dallas was genuinely worried about the Pickens situation, it might have made some moves just in case.
Of course, the Cowboys could be content with where things stand, because no matter what, they have Pickens for 2026. If he chooses not to sign the tag and holds out, the financial ramifications are big.
Plus, the only thing taking a hit would be George's reputation after he spent all last season rebuilding it.
How this thing plays out is anyone's guess, and while Jerry might be optimistic about Pickens staying in Dallas long term, he likely felt the same about Micah, and look how that turned out.