
đ¨ Dak Prescott Vows to Help Keep George Pickens in Dallas Amid Free Agency đ
Dallas, TX â Dak Prescott is no stranger to leadership, both on and off the field, and his latest vow could be a game-changer for the Dallas Cowboys as they prepare for what promises to be an eventful offseason. With George Pickens set to enter free agency, Prescott is making it clear that he wants the Cowboys to keep Pickens around for 2026 and beyond.
Speaking at the Pro Bowl this week, Prescott, who has become one of the teamâs biggest advocates, urged owner Jerry Jones and the front office to get a deal done for the young wide receiver, who has been nothing short of spectacular for the Cowboys this past season.
Prescottâs Support for Pickens: A Key to the Cowboysâ Offensive Success
Prescott made it clear in his comments that George Pickens is a crucial part of the Cowboysâ offensive identity moving forward. Despite entering free agency, Pickens is coming off a breakout 2025 season, where he recorded 1,429 yards and helped elevate the Cowboysâ passing attack. With CeeDee Lamb out for a few games, it was Pickens who stepped up, proving his worth as a true No. 1 receiver in the NFL.
When asked about how the offense can continue to roll next season, Prescott did not hesitate to put the focus squarely on Pickens and his future with the team.
âThe guy out here that doesnât have a contract,â Prescott said, pointing to Pickens. âWhichever way they do it, heâs an important piece of this offense, and an important piece of what weâre trying to do. So, leave it to those guys but obviously, if I need to get involved, I have said it before, I will.â
Prescott, known for his diplomatic approach and his ability to rally teammates, emphasized how important Pickens is to the Cowboysâ long-term success. As the teamâs leader and quarterback, Prescott has consistently demonstrated his leadership both on and off the field, and his advocacy for Pickensâ contract extension is another example of that.
The Financial Hurdles: The Price of Two Elite Receivers

As George Pickens enters free agency, his contract demands are likely to be significant. After an incredible 2025 season, where Pickens ranked among the leagueâs elite receivers, itâs expected that his value on the open market will reflect that. Spotrac has projected Pickensâ next contract to be a four-year, $122 million deal, a hefty price tag that could make keeping both Pickens and CeeDee Lamb financially challenging for the Cowboys.
Lamb, who has already established himself as one of the top receivers in the NFL, is slated to have a $38 million cap hit in 2026. Coupled with Pickensâ projected salary, this creates a significant salary cap challenge for the Cowboys, who are already $30 million over the cap heading into the offseason.
However, Prescott is unbothered by the potential cap hit, believing that having two elite receivers is worth the financial strain.
âItâs a credit to him, itâs a credit to Jerry and the front office going out and making that deal,â Prescott said. âYou get a guy like that, youâre just looking for help for CeeDee. ⌠After Game 2 or whatever it was, CeeDee goes down and then this guy really just steps up and comes into his own and shows us how great of a player he can be, and allows us to see we have two No. 1s.â
Despite the looming financial hurdle, Prescott firmly believes that Pickensâ value goes beyond his on-field production. He views the young wide receiver as a game-changer, capable of opening up the offense in ways that Lamb alone cannot. With both players in the fold, the Cowboysâ offense would be a terrifying force in the NFC.
The Franchise Tag Option: A Temporary Solution
If the Cowboys are unable to agree on a long-term deal with Pickens, the team could opt to use the franchise tag, which would guarantee Pickens a one-year contract worth $28 million. This would allow the Cowboys to retain him temporarily while buying more time to work out a long-term agreement. However, the franchise tag is a blunt instrument, and Pickens may not be thrilled with the lack of long-term security.
Given that Pickens is now recognized as one of the top talents at his position, the Cowboys will need to balance their immediate needs and financial flexibility carefully to avoid losing one of the key pieces of their offense.
Can the Cowboys Afford Two Elite Receivers?
While Prescott is unequivocal in his support for Pickens, the reality is that keeping both Lamb and Pickens on the same roster could place the Cowboys in rarefied air. There are only a few teams in the NFL that can afford two receivers at the $30 million+ mark. This makes it a delicate financial balancing act, especially with the Cowboys’ ongoing cap issues.
However, with Jerry Jonesâ willingness to spend, the team might find ways to restructure contracts or shift money around to make room for both players. The presence of a quarterback like Prescott, who has built strong relationships with both Lamb and Pickens, will likely help keep the locker room intact, even if financial pressures force difficult decisions.
Conclusion: Will the Cowboys Keep Pickens?
As the offseason progresses, George Pickens remains one of the top free-agent priorities for the Dallas Cowboys. Prescottâs outspoken support of Pickens speaks volumes about the importance of the receiver to both the offense and the teamâs leadership.
With the Cowboys needing to navigate salary cap challenges while ensuring they keep their top offensive weapons, Pickensâ future in Dallas will come down to financial decisions made by the front office. Whether itâs through a long-term deal or the franchise tag, Dallas fans can rest easy knowing that Dak Prescott is ready to push the front office to ensure George Pickens stays a Cowboy for the foreseeable future.