The Cowboys have Pickens under contract for the 2026 season, but after that, many are skeptical of him sticking around.
The big elephant in the room for Dallas Cowboys fans is what the franchise is doing with Pro Bowl receiver George Pickens.
After a career year in 2025, the Cowboys placed the franchise tag on Pickens and, oddly to some, stated they wouldn't be negotiating a long-term deal with him.
Almost a take-it-or-leave-it offer. Well, Pickens took it.
But that doesn't do much for the long-term security that fans or Pickens want, because let's face it, having No. 3 at The Star for the next three or four years, with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, would be fun.
Especially if last year is anything to go by.
However, many are of the thought that once the 2026 season concludes, there's a fair chance that Pickens and Dallas part ways.
Cowboys insider Bobby Belt, speaking on 105.3 The Fan, opines that Pickens is part of Dallas' plans ... but only for now.
"I think Dallas had made their mind up, a little before the [scouting] combine, he was going to be here, and there wasn't really going to be a price that was going to make it easy to get him out of here because they've got this three-year plan they're trying to execute and he's part of it right now," Belt said.
"I don't know that he'll be part of it for all three years. In fact, I would say it's unlikely. It's unlikely, I think, that he's playing for the Cowboys in '27."
So it is unlikely that Pickens sticks around after 2026. That goes in line with what many think.
Pickens will earn a little over $27 million on the tag in 2026, and if the Cowboys wanted to do the same in 2027, that number jumps to roughly $32 million.
Both prices are considered "unders" relative to market value for a player like Pickens, but having George for two seasons for nearly $60 million feels like good business.
However, there's no long-term guarantee and that's what Pickens is after.
If he has another Pro Bowl season, and shows that the off-field issues are well and truly behind him, it might make other teams more open to making a move for him.
But right now, Pickens is a part of the Cowboys' plans in 2026.
As for 2027? That remains unknown. Or maybe even "unlikely.''
