Pickens is a free agent, and the Cowboys would be wise to keep him around because the other free agent options aren't that enticing.
The contract situation for Dallas Cowboys receiver George Pickens is going to be a fascinating storyline to follow all offseason.
In truth, I hope it doesn't last the entire offseason, because the path forward is rather simple.
Our own Mike Fisher has previously stated that, for the Cowboys, the "easiest path" is to franchise tag Pickens at roughly $28 million APY and then work on a potential long-term deal.
But some sections of Cowboys Nation think tagging George is fine, but then want to trade him and get something in return.
Having two $30 million APY receivers on your roster isn't feasible for some, but for Dallas, it is absolutely.
Looking around at the other free agents, Fish, with the help of someone within the NFL, has come up with price tags for some of the top free agents.
Alec Pierce at $20 million APY, Jauan Jennings at $20 million APY, Mike Evans at $13 million APY, and Romeo Doubs at $13 million APY are the top receiver free agents.
After George's 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns from 93 receptions, for Fish, Pickens ranks head and shoulders above that quartet.
"I'm saying this after having spoken to the people inside the building: those guys couldn't carry George Pickens' jockstrap, not even close,” Fish said. "So, hey, let's say goodbye to George Pickens, let's get something for him. Let's just go buy another one. I'm telling you, there just aren't very many of him. And that's what the Cowboys think, too.”
"If there's such a thing as a 'have to,' they have to have Pickens."
Given what Pickens has done for this offense under Brian Schottenheimer, it makes sense for the Cowboys to bring him back.
The chemistry with CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott has been noticeable, not to mention how the threat of George downfield opened up the run game.
Javonte Williams, another free agent, had a career year, posting 1,201 yards and 11 TDs as the lead back. So George's value isn't just in the passing game; he also allows the Cowboys to run the ball.
With the offense, the clear reason Cowboys Nation has any optimism heading into 2026, if you take Pickens away, and have CeeDee and Ryan Flournoy as your top two weapons, that won't cut it.
Yes, it will be expensive, but in this case, this is a "gotta have it."
Because, you could argue, without Pickens, the Cowboys are nowhere near the threat they'd be with him.