Cowboys still aren't in the clear with George Pickens

The Dallas Cowboys are keeping George Pickens in town, at least for another year.

The former Pittsburgh Steelers draft pick had the best year of his young career in his lone season playing for Brian Schottenheimer, but that wasn't enough to get some long-term financial security.

The Cowboys have been open about not giving him a contract extension now or before the start of the season, and he's agreed to play under the franchise tag.

Nevertheless, ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler doesn't think we've heard the last of this. In a recent column, he argued there could still be more to this saga.

The George Pickens saga might not be over yet 

"Pickens signed his $27.3 million franchise tag, which the Cowboys are happy about. But he wants a long-term deal that Dallas won't give right now. Whether Pickens develops a reason to sit out during the offseason or regular season could be something to watch," Fowler wrote.

The Cowboys prioritized strengthening their defense this offseason. With Quinnen Williams in town, plus all the money they had already committed to Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, Pickens may have gotten the short end of the stick.

Still, the fact that Pickens agreed to just play ball seems a bit off-brand here. He's got a strong character and a bit of a reputation, and he might be the last player you want to mess with if you're Jerry Jones.

This approach already backfired with Micah Parsons, and Pickens is represented by the same agent. 

That's not to say that Pickens will suddenly have a change of heart and force his way out of the team unless he gets a new contract right away.

But, knowing that he could make much more money in free agency while getting some long-term financial stability and security, it's hard to believe he won't at least try to make the Cowboys think he might not show up for the start of the season.