The future of Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens is currently clouded with uncertainty as he approaches the final weeks of his contract. After enjoying the best season of his young career, there are reports indicating that the Cowboys may exercise the franchise tag on Pickens for 2026 and potentially trade him to a team willing to secure him with a lucrative multiyear contract.
In a discussion with USA Today”s “Sports Seriously,” Cowboys legend and Hall of Fame receiver Michael Irvin delivered a strong message to Pickens, emphasizing the importance of remaining with the NFC East franchise this offseason. Irvin stated, “I hope he is not a dummy. I know he”s not a dummy, but I hope he doesn”t let this guy, any guy, persuade him. George has been looking for an opportunity like he got in Dallas with a team that can get him the ball, and now he has that. It”ll be ludicrous and stupid to say, “All right, now that I finally found it and I had my best year, I”m just going to get up and go.”
According to ESPN statistics, Pickens ranked eighth in the NFL with 93 receptions, third in receiving yards with 1,429, and tied for eighth with nine touchdown receptions in his first season with the Cowboys. However, some of the concerns that followed Pickens from his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers seem to linger, which could be affecting Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones in his decision to offer the talented player guaranteed money beyond the 2026 season.
Irvin also pointed out the significance of Pickens” representation, as he is advised by agent David Mulugheta, the same agent Jones declined to negotiate with during the protracted contract discussions involving star pass-rusher Micah Parsons last summer. Ultimately, Parsons was traded to the Green Bay Packers, where he signed a four-year, $188 million contract that included $136 million guaranteed.
Irvin advised Pickens, saying, “I told Micah, and I”m telling George. The agent works for you. You don”t work for the agent. I don”t know what”s up with these players, but they have to start understanding the agent works for them. When I came in this league, even when I came out as a first-round draft pick, the 11th pick, I”ve always made sure the agent understood, dude, I don”t work for you. You work for me.”
The Cowboys have the option to apply the franchise tag to Pickens or another player starting February 17. How Pickens navigates this situation will likely influence whether he remains with the Cowboys throughout the upcoming spring and summer.
