Here’s a shocking revelation that’s bound to stir up some debate: Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens was fined at least once last season, and it’s raising questions about his future with the team. But here’s where it gets controversial—while the Cowboys had issues with his timeliness, they’re now weighing whether to lock him down long-term or use the franchise tag as a temporary solution. Let’s dive into the details.
First, a quick clarification: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated Pickens was fined ‘multiple’ times. That claim wasn’t explicitly supported by the cited report, and we at NFL Trade Rumors sincerely apologize for the oversight. Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter.
George Pickens, whose stats and career trajectory you can explore further here, is set to hit the open market as an unrestricted free agent this offseason. This comes after a standout 2025 season, where he cemented himself as a top-tier receiver. The Cowboys are in a tough spot—do they commit to a long-term deal, explore a trade, or slap the franchise tag on him? According to OverTheCap.com, Pickens’ 2025 performance was valued at a staggering $31,681,000, while the projected franchise tag for receivers sits at $28,824,000. That’s a hefty price tag, but is it worth it?
ESPN’s Todd Archer reported that Pickens was fined during his first season in Dallas, with head coach Brian Schottenheimer hinting at ongoing issues with punctuality. And this is the part most people miss—these concerns aren’t new. When the Steelers traded Pickens to Dallas, maturity and timeliness were already red flags. While they weren’t deal-breakers in 2025, they resurfaced at key moments, leaving the Cowboys hesitant about a long-term commitment.
At just 24, Pickens has a promising future. A preseason All-American second-team selection in 2021 and a preseason All-SEC standout at Georgia, he was drafted by the Steelers in the second round (No. 52 overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft. He’s in the final year of a four-year, $6,752,177 rookie contract, which included a $2,090,674 signing bonus. In 2025, he proved his worth by appearing in all 17 games, hauling in 93 passes for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns—numbers that earned him a spot in our Top 100 – 2026 NFL Free Agents list.
But here’s the million-dollar question: Should the Cowboys overlook Pickens’ past issues and invest in his talent, or is the franchise tag a safer bet? It’s a debate that’s sure to divide fans. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.
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