Cowboys have a big edge on George Pickens contract negotiations

The Dallas Cowboys have a big problem on their hands with George Pickens.

He's unlikely to play under the $27.98 million franchise tag, and his asking price may have gone up after Jaxon Smith-Njigba's record-setting contract extension. The Cowboys have until July 15 to get a deal done, and the price may go up if the Los Angeles Rams reset the market again with Puka Nacua. However, it doesn't sound like the former Pittsburgh Steelers WR has a lot of options. 

No one is competing for George Pickens

In his latest mailbag session, NFL insider Albert Breer responded to a Cowboys fan who was worried about Pickens negotiating with other teams, given that he was given the non-exclusive tag. Breer's response may have certainly soothed him.

"I’d be stunned if anyone was willing to give up two first-rounders and a monster contract for Pickens. So, I wouldn’t count on much on that front," Breer wrote.

Pickens was the Cowboys' best weapon last season, especially when CeeDee Lamb was out with an injury. He has seamless chemistry with Dak Prescott, and with his prime years still ahead of him, signing him would be an easy decision from a football perspective.

That said, he also comes with some baggage and a volatile character, and that may only get worse after he makes generational wealth in his next deal. The Cowboys have historically dragged out negotiations with their star players, often hurting their relationships with them. That said, Pickens may not have another realistic option right now.