George Pickens’ contract situation could become one of the biggest storylines surrounding the Dallas Cowboys. Dak Prescott doesn’t worry about the receiver’s motivation. After Thursday’s practice, Prescott made clear that Pickens focuses on football and deserves every dollar he earns.
Appearing on Kay Adams’ Up and Adams podcast, Prescott praised Pickens’ approach while suggesting the Cowboys should consider paying him sooner rather than later. His comments came as questions continue to surround Pickens’ long-term future in Dallas.
Dak Prescott says George Pickens deserves to get paid
Prescott said he has been “very impressed” by what Pickens has shown since joining the Cowboys, although he admitted that the receiver’s performance has not surprised him. “Very impressed, but not surprised. You know, George, you know he loves football. And at the end of the day, it’s not for the money,” Prescott said.
However, Prescott believes that does not mean Pickens should be underpaid. The Cowboys quarterback argued that the team should give the receiver what he deserves before the receiver’s market value becomes even more expensive.
“However, he should get every dollar that he deserves because he’s a hell of a player and we should probably give it to him sooner than later because it’s only going to go up,” Prescott said.
“He just wants to play football. So franchise tag or not, it gives him an opportunity to go out there and not only play the game that he loves, but play with a team that has accepted him for who he is and allows him to go be the George that we love,” Prescott added.
Prescott also believes the franchise tag has not prevented Pickens from enjoying his first season in Dallas. Instead, he feels the receiver appreciates being surrounded by teammates and an organization that allows him to play his natural game.
“I think he enjoys being in this environment, being with his teammates and playing for the Dallas Cowboys. So contract or not, you’re going to get the best George.”
That confidence matters because Pickens is playing under the franchise tag after producing the best statistical season of his career in 2025. He finished with 93 receptions for 1,429 yards, putting himself in position for a significant long-term payday. But there is one potential hurdle.
While Prescott believes Pickens will remain focused on football, a recent report has raised a scenario that could make the receiver’s contract situation considerably more complicated. Cowboys beat writer Todd Archer suggested Dallas could potentially use the franchise tag on Pickens again in 2027.
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Cowboys could repeat controversial move with George Pickens
Speaking on 105.3 The Fan from Oxnard, Archer said, “They could franchise tag him again and we could go through the whole thing all over again.”
That possibility could create controversy because Dallas has already used the franchise tag on Pickens for 2026. The receiver signed his $27.3 million tender, but not before skipping voluntary OTAs, signaling some frustration with the situation.
A second tag in 2027 could reportedly be worth roughly $33 million, giving Pickens another substantial one-year deal. However, it could still fall below what he might command on the open market after another productive season.
The Cowboys can use the franchise tag on Pickens only twice under NFL rules. That makes a second tag a risky short-term solution and could force Dallas toward a long-term agreement sooner rather than later.
Archer believes the Cowboys still have a chance to keep Pickens beyond 2026, particularly after creating additional financial flexibility with Quinnen Williams’ extension. “I do think there is an opportunity to keep him beyond this year,” Archer said.
The biggest issue will be Pickens’ asking price. If he matches or exceeds his 2025 production, Dallas could face a massive financial decision.
Archer summed up the situation by asking, “Is the first number, is it gonna start with a four or is it gonna start with a three? Then the Cowboys are going to have to ask themselves a question, is that going to be worth it?”
If the receiver delivers another elite season, however, the Cowboys could face a choice between giving him a long-term contract. Almost everyone believes Pickens deserves a new contract and not potentially going through the franchise-tag process all over again.
