How Cowboys' George Pickens has reportedly responded to franchise-tag drama

The Dallas Cowboys made it clear throughout the spring that wide receiver George Pickens wouldn't receive a contract extension, wouldn't be traded and would have to play for the Cowboys on the franchise tag worth roughly $27.3M for the 2026 season. 

Numerous stories have detailed how the Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly grew tired of Pickens' antics while he was with the team from the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft until he was traded to the Cowboys in the spring of 2025. While some assumed Pickens could cause distractions for the Cowboys this summer as a way to protest the fact that he didn't receive a lucrative extension, NFL reporter Gilberto Manzano of Sports Illustrated suggested in an article published on Tuesday that hasn't been the case. 

George Pickens "looks happy to be with the Cowboys" despite franchise-tag situation

"Based on Pickens' past and the trouble he caused at times for the Steelers in his first three seasons, it’s somewhat of a surprise the star receiver is okay with betting on himself this season," Manzano wrote. "Additionally, he just looks happy to be with the Cowboys and in an offense that knows how to utilize his elite skill set. Last season, Pickens set career highs in receptions (93), receiving yards (1,429) and touchdowns (nine)." 

Of course, history suggests that Pickens may not stay so "happy" through this fall. During his first season with Dallas, he was accused of sometimes looking "uninterested in playing football." Additionally, the Cowboys reportedly fined Pickens at least once last season for "being late to things."

The Cowboys may or may not be prepared to retain Pickens' rights for 2027 via the franchise tag and also hold onto presumed WR1 CeeDee Lamb. If Pickens is truly upset that he reportedly could be franchise-tagged again next year, he seemingly is doing a good job at hiding it. 

George Pickens becoming a leader for Cowboys? 

"He’s also having fun practicing next to Lamb and has been somewhat of a leader in the receivers’ room," Manzano added about Pickens. "Occasionally, the position breaks up into two groups during practice, with Lamb leading one and Pickens the other. Also, Pickens was happy to sign autographs and do a few interviews after Tuesday’s practice."

Pickens has millions of reasons to be on his best behavior and also serve as a top-tier playmaker for the Cowboys through at least this coming January. If he does just that and also emerges as a respected locker-room leader, he could find a long-term home with the NFC East club.