Jerry Jones’ rumored 3-year vision for George Pickens comes with one massive catch 

The Dallas Cowboys originally acquired George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers for a third-round pick, and he proved the move successful with his performance last season. However, as he was given the franchise tag, some think Jerry Jones’ program is fundamentally hesitant to commit to him long-term. 

As Pickens’s long-term future with the Cowboys beyond this year remains highly unstable, Bobby Belt, the Cowboys Insider for 105.3 The Fan, shared his take on the situation.

“Dallas had made up in their mind, I think, a little before the combine, he was going to be here,” Belt said. “There really wasn't going to be a price that was going to make it easy to get him out of here because they've got this three-year plan they're trying to execute. 

“And he's part of it right now. I don't know that he'll be part of it for all three

years. In fact, I would say it's unlikely. I'd say it's significantly more unlikely that he's playing for the Cowboys in 2027 than playing for something else.”

Pickens delivered an incredible 2025 season with the Cowboys, becoming the centerpiece of the offense with 93 receptions, 1,429 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns. He signed his franchise tag with the Cowboys, but he later chose not to participate in voluntary offseason workouts

Jones expressed optimism about the team’s relationship with Pickens during league meetings this week. He said that the organization expects increased production from the receiver and believes the tag situation will ultimately benefit him in the long run. 

Jones also said that Pickens will be held to higher expectations from the start of the season, with a greater role in both early and late-season game plans as the Cowboys look for continued offensive growth. Given Pickens’ current $27.3 million franchise tag, any long-term extension would likely require a huge contract commitment from the Cowboys.

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