WHAT BRIAN SCHOTTENHEIMER SAID ABOUT GEORGE PICKENS’ CONTRACT AT NFL COMBINE

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 27, 2026: The Dallas Cowboys have a few significant personnel moves to make this offseason, as they enter season two under offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. While much attention has been paid to the recent hire of Christian Parker as defensive coordinator, one of the more pressing matters on Schottenheimer’s mind is the future of George Pickens and his contract situation.

During the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Schottenheimer addressed the media and shared his thoughts on Pickens, who was acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers in March 2025. Pickens made an immediate impact in his first season with the Cowboys, setting career-highs in catches (90), yards (1,429), and touchdowns (9), solidifying himself as a key playmaker in the Dallas offense.

Schottenheimer’s Brief Answer on Pickens’ Future

When asked about Pickens’ contract situation and the possibility of inking him to a long-term deal, Schottenheimer gave a rather succinct three-word response, which was shared by Jon Machota of The Athletic. While the specific words were not disclosed, Schottenheimer’s brief answer suggested that the focus on a long-term contract for Pickens is certainly something on the table.

However, beyond the contract negotiations, Schottenheimer was quick to emphasize his strong personal relationship with Pickens. The coach made it clear that his connection with the wide receiver, often abbreviated as GP, remained unchanged, despite the business aspect surrounding his potential contract extension.

The Importance of Pickens to the Cowboys

Schottenheimer praised Pickens’ love for football and noted how it mirrored his relationship with other key players on the team, such as CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott, who also went through extended contract talks in recent seasons. Schottenheimer explained to reporters that he had recently spoken to CeeDee Lamb, reaffirming how contract negotiations are simply part of the business side of the game, and that they don’t interfere with his relationship with players.

“GP loves football, and my relationship with GP doesn’t change, just like it didn’t change with CeeDee [Lamb] and Dak [Prescott] and guys who were going through certain things,” Schottenheimer said. “It’s all part of the process, it’s the business side of it. I was talking to CeeDee last night. So, it doesn’t change.”

This comparison to Lamb and Prescott, who both went through their own lengthy contract extension processes, highlights the nature of the business in the NFL. For Lamb, a deal was finalized just before the 2024 season after he had missed part of training camp. Similarly, Prescott had his own contract situation to deal with in previous years, which saw tension and uncertainty before his long-term extension was finalized.

The Potential for a Big Payday for Pickens

Despite the focus on Schottenheimer’s relationship with Pickens, the conversation inevitably turns to the financial side of things. George Pickens, after his standout season, is in line to command a massive payday from the Cowboys, and keeping him with the team will certainly require significant financial investment.

However, Schottenheimer is optimistic that the Cowboys will be able to strike a deal to keep Pickens in Dallas, ensuring that the wide receiver doesn’t end up testing the waters elsewhere in free agency. Schottenheimer, like many within the Cowboys organization, is keen on maintaining strong relationships with key players, particularly after seeing the tensions between Micah Parsons and the Cowboys escalate last season. With that in mind, Schottenheimer is hopeful that Dallas owner Jerry Jones and the front office will work diligently to avoid a similar situation with Pickens.

A Crucial Offseason for the Cowboys

As the offseason progresses, the Cowboys will need to balance securing Pickens’ future while also strengthening other areas of the roster. The uncertainty surrounding Pickens’ contract could also affect how the Cowboys approach the rest of their offseason plans, particularly as they look to build a championship-contending team for 2026.

With Pickens being one of the most dynamic young wide receivers in the NFL, securing him to a long-term deal should be a top priority for the Cowboys. His connection with Dak Prescott was evident last season, and the duo’s chemistry could be pivotal in helping the Cowboys make a deep playoff run. Ensuring that Pickens remains in the fold for years to come is a key piece of their long-term strategy.

Looking Forward: The Franchise Tag Looms

For now, the franchise tag remains a possibility for Pickens if the two sides can’t agree on a long-term deal by the deadline. This would allow the Cowboys to retain his services for at least another year while they continue negotiations. However, both sides will likely try to avoid a situation where the tag is needed, preferring instead to lock in a deal that secures Pickens’ future in Dallas.

As Schottenheimer pointed out, this process is simply part of the NFL’s business, and the Cowboys are in a position to take care of their star receiver. The next few weeks will likely be filled with negotiations, discussions, and potential offers as the Cowboys front office works to ensure that George Pickens remains in a Dallas Cowboys uniform for many seasons to come.