Cowboys fans receive worrisome update on George Pickens contract talks

As recently as in the middle of January, a report suggested that the Dallas Cowboys would use the franchise tag to retain the rights to wide receiver George Pickens instead of allowing Pickens to reach free agency when the new league year opens in March. 

It sounds like Pickens and the Cowboys aren't all that close to coming to terms on a contract extension this winter. 

Where are Cowboys, George Pickens in contract talks? 

On Monday, Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News reported that "two people briefed on the situation" were able to confirm that "the Cowboys have not held any contract talks with Pickens’ agent" this offseason. Pickens is represented by Trevon Smith, who works in the same firm as Athletes First's president of team sports, David Mulugheta.

Micah Parsons had Mulugheta as an agent last summer when Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones failed to lock the star pass-rusher down via a new deal before the Cowboys traded Parsons to the Green Bay Packers in late August. 

"Mulugheta has a close relationship with Pickens," Watkins shared, "so it wouldn’t be unusual for him to speak with the Cowboys about a new deal."

Dallas could place the franchise tag projected to be worth around $28.8M on Pickens as early as Feb. 17. He previously hinted he could consider not signing the tag amid his desire for a long-term deal.

What type of deal may George Pickens want from Cowboys? 

The Cowboys acquired Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers last spring, and he showed during portions of the season that he could be a true No. 1 target for an advertised contender. According to ESPN stats, he ended the regular season ranked third in the NFL with 1,429 receiving yards, eighth with 93 receptions and tied for eighth with nine touchdown catches. 

He was also benched for the first offensive series of one game after he allegedly missed the team bus. A later report said that Pickens had been fined for being late on more than one occasion during the season before he was accused of running lazy routes during the Cowboys' Week 14 loss to the Detroit Lions in early December. 

"It isn’t known how much Pickens is looking for following the season he produced," Watkins wrote. "After he was traded from Pittsburgh to Dallas last offseason, people close to Pickens were hopeful for a contract worth at least $30M per season. But after the season he produced, that average salary figure most likely will rise."

Watkins added that "it’s doubtful Pickens would be in favor of reporting to training camp in late July, or even some parts of the offseason program" without a multiyear extension. Thus, it sounds like Pickens' camp is ready for what could become an ugly standoff if he doesn't receive an offer to his liking this winter.