🚨 COWBOYS’ LEVERAGE IN GEORGE PICKENS NEGOTIATIONS REVEALED: Will Dallas Be Able to Keep Their Star WR? 👇

The Dallas Cowboys’ pursuit of wide receiver George Pickens to secure him on a long-term contract is not without its challenges. While negotiations are expected to be tough, the outcome may ultimately be anticlimactic, with the Cowboys holding significant leverage in this situation.

NFL senior reporter Albert Breer, in his Sports Illustrated mailbag column, addressed the ongoing negotiations, suggesting that it would be surprising if another team were willing to give up two first-round picks and offer a massive contract to land Pickens. “I’d be stunned if anyone was willing to give up two first-rounders and a monster contract for Pickens,” Breer wrote, noting that he didn’t expect much to come of those discussions.

In late February, the Cowboys placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on the 25-year-old Pickens, allowing him to negotiate with other teams while Dallas works to lock him into a long-term deal. Under this tag, the Cowboys retain the right of first refusal. If Pickens signs an offer sheet with another team, Dallas has five days to match the offer. However, if they decline, the Cowboys would receive draft compensation equivalent to two first-round picks.

The clock is ticking. The Cowboys and Pickens’ representation have until July 15 at 4 p.m. EST to agree to a long-term contract. If they don’t, Pickens will play next season under the one-year, $27.298 million tag.

The recent four-year, $168.6 million extension signed by star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba with the Seattle Seahawks has reset the wide receiver market. This deal could now serve as the new benchmark for Pickens’ negotiations, making the Cowboys’ task even more complicated.

In his first season with the Cowboys, Pickens quickly became quarterback Dak Prescott’s favorite target. He led the Cowboys with career-highs of 1,429 yards, nine touchdowns, and 93 catches. His performance in 2025 placed him third among all qualified receivers in yards, only behind JSN and Los Angeles Rams All-Pro Puka Nacua. Pickens ranked fourth in yards per game (84.1) and eighth in receptions. His dominant year raised the Cowboys’ offensive ceiling, perfectly complementing All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.

Pickens now holds significant leverage in the negotiations, as his breakout performance justifies a contract close to JSN’s. However, the Cowboys remain in control, with the franchise tag ensuring that Pickens will remain with the team for at least one more season unless another team steps up with a major offer.

As the deadline approaches, the Cowboys will have to decide whether to meet Pickens’ asking price or let him test the market. If no team is willing to make a bold move, the Cowboys will be able to keep their star wide receiver for one more season—at least.