The Dallas Cowboys tried to take the NFC East back by trading for George Pickens last offseason. Clearly, it didn't work, but there's no denying that he was a dangerous weapon for Brian Schottenheimer's passing game.
That's why the Philadelphia Eagles and their fans can only laugh at the thought of Jerry Jones trying to negotiate a new deal with Pickens. We've seen this story unfold way too many times, and it doesn't always end well. As things stand now, it looks like the Cowboys are staring at another Micah Parsons situation.
The Dallas Cowboys Will Probably Have to Trade George Pickens
The Cowobys, like all other teams, will have roughly two weeks to decide whether to use the franchise tag on Pickens. That would pay him $28.037 million next season, according to Spotrac. That's slightly below his projected market value of $30.6 million.
Players don't usually love the franchise tag. It gives them little to no financial security while hampering their ability to negotiate a new deal with other teams. That can lead to a strained relationship with the team, and the Cowboys have a long, well-documented history of that.
Even while enjoying a career year, there were instances throughout the 2025 campaign that proved Pickens is a hot-headed guy. He has thrown countless temper tantrums on the field and on social media, and that was before his money and long-term financial security were at stake. On top of that, his agent is David Mulugheta, the same guy who ultimately pushed for Micah Parsons to be traded after months of failed negotiations.
Jerry Jones usually rubs players the wrong way with the way he does business. His backhanded compliments and weekly passive-aggressive shots in his radio appearances aren't going to sit well with a guy like Pickens. This situation has the makings of a long and painful saga for his team.
The Cowboys shouldn't be much of a threat to Nick Sirianni's team, but it's always nice to see a divisional rival lose a star. Pickens certainly looked like one in his lone season in Arlington, logging career bests in receptions (93), targets (137), yards (1,429), and touchdowns (9).
He torched the Eagles' secondary to the tune of 146 yards and one touchdown on nine receptions in their last meeting. Having him roaming free next to CeeDee Lamb is a scary thought for most defenses, and the Eagles should be thrilled if he's no longer in the NFC East.