Cowboys 'Must Re-Sign George Pickens' Reports Proven Wrong

With reports that Pickens won't be after a new contract this season, instead opting to prove to the league that he is deserving, maybe Stephen might not have to double-dip.

The trade for Pickens could be seen as a one-year rental, but giving up a third-round pick is a steep price for a rental, and if George does have the year some think he will, then he will command quite the contract next offseason.

With Micah Parsons (hopefully soon to be extended), DaRon Bland, Tyler Smith, and Brandon Aubrey, just to name a few, that is a lot of players expected to be paid top-of-the-market. We could then add in Pickens if the stars align.

In fact, some critics inside that Dallas "must re-sign Pickens'' for this trade to be validated.

They're wrong. ... because they don't understand the "secret value'' of this swap.

From Cowboys insider Mike Fisher ...

"So let's say Pickens does the fine things he's expected to do - in his first three NFL seasons (largely playing without a QB of Dak Prescott's caliber) - he's averaged 947 yards on 59 catches with 4 TDs - and reboots his reputation to the point where he's deemed "too expensive'' to re-sign.

"The Cowboys give up that 2026 third-rounder ... And receive a compensatory pick, quite possible a 2027 third-rounder.

"That's the 'rental.' Only it's basically a 'rental for free.''

Wow.

So will the Cowboys double-dip with Pickens if he does prove he can be a dependable receiver who puts up consistent numbers? That'd be great.

Or ... was making sure to not give up (a 3) more than they might get back if he's a rental (a 3) absolutely calculated by Jerry and Stephen Jones' front office?

Hint: Yes, it was.