George Pickens reveals if he would welcome return to Cowboys in 2026

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in March. But if it were up to him, he would be back in Dallas next season and potentially beyond.

“I’d love to be back,” Pickens said Thursday, via Jon Machota of The Athletic. “Especially with [CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott], all the guys really.”

The Pittsburgh Steelers did not picture a future which included Pickens and moved on from him this past offseason. Pittsburgh traded Pickens and 2027 sixth-round pick to Dallas in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick.

Pickens has been a perfect fit in Brian Schottenheimer‘s offense. Just 10 games into his Cowboys tenure, Pickens is second in the league in receiving. He has 58 receptions for 908 yards and seven touchdowns.

The 24-year-old’s rookie deal is up after this season. Dallas can sign Pickens to a long-term extension, or they can franchise tag him. Would Pickens sign the franchise tag if the Cowboys apply it to him?

“I’d probably have to wait until that comes,” Pickens said. “I can’t really see into the future.”

George Pickens earning himself a big payday

Micah Parsons aside, team owner/general manager Jerry Jones has shown he’s more than willing to sign his top performers to lucrative long-term deals. Jones has done it with Lamb, Prescott, DaRon Bland and Tyler Smith among others.

Jones has publicly praised Pickens for his play this season. He’s already made it clear there’s enough money to get Pickens signed for the future.

“Yes, yes.” Jones said Tuesday.

Prescott would certainly love to continue throwing passes to both Lamb and Pickens. He said the following after Monday’s win over the Las Vegas Raiders, in which the wideout duo combined for 210 yards.

“Two elite guys that complement each other, that build off of each other’s energy,” Prescott said. “One go makes a play, the other one wants to make a play. Tonight was fun. As I’ve always said, I’m just trying to get the ball out of my hands to these guys, be like a point guard and let them go do what they do best. Tonight was a good example of that.”