Cowboys' George Pickens makes feelings about uncertain future clear after benching

Dallas Cowboys wide receivers George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb both tallied touchdown receptions after they were on the sidelines for the club's first offensive series versus the Las Vegas Raiders this past Monday night for disciplinary reasons. 

Pickens remains in the final year of his contract, and that benching seemingly hasn't impacted whether or not he'd like to stay with the Cowboys beyond the ongoing season.

George Pickens would "love" to stay with Cowboys

"I'd love to be back, especially with [Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott], all the guys really," Pickens said on Thursday, per Tommy Yarrish of the Cowboys' website. 

A recent report said that "there's a strong likelihood that the Cowboys" will retain Pickens' rights for 2026 via the franchise tag. Pickens didn't reveal how he'd react if he were tagged in early 2026. 

"I'll have to wait probably until that comes," Pickens acknowledged. "I can't really see in the future, so I'll have to wait until it gets here." 

As Todd Archer noted for ESPN, Lamb admitted on Thursday that he and Pickens were benched for a series because they missed curfew on Sunday after they were having dinner and drinks at Red Rock Casino. Pickens then led the Cowboys with nine receptions for 144 yards and a score to help the club earn a 33-16 victory that improved it to 4-5-1 on the season. 

Following the win, Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer made it known he is "very in favor of George having a long-term future with us." 

ESPN stats show that Pickens will head into this coming Sunday's home game versus the Philadelphia Eagles (8-2) leading the Cowboys with 908 receiving yards, 83 targets and seven touchdown catches (tied with tight end Jake Ferguson) for the season. Ferguson has thus far recorded a team-best 60 receptions, followed by Pickens (58). 

George Pickens opens up about his relationship with Brian Schottenheimer

On Thursday, Pickens was asked how close he and Schottenheimer have become since the Cowboys acquired the 24-year-old from the Pittsburgh Steelers this past spring. 

"A lot," Pickens responded. "Me and Schotty, I think we're still getting even closer and closer. We were close before, and I feel like now we're getting even closer just as the year goes on… As the year goes, just keeping up with the guys, keeping them more closer and closer. Especially, we lost [defensive end Marshawn Kneeland], so that kind of gelled everybody together."

Pickens also indicated his relationship with Schottenheimer is "definitely a huge factor" regarding how the wideout will handle his situation in 2026. Such discussions can be punted down the road as the Cowboys attempt to remain part of playoff conversations through at least the start of December.