The Dallas Cowboys have found themselves in a messy contract situation with one of their best players, but that’s nothing new. This seems to be a theme for Dallas, and the player taking center stage this offseason is wide receiver George Pickens. As the Cowboys over complicate things with the star wideout, the Philadelphia Eagles have to be loving the dysfunction.
The mess all started when Dallas placed the franchise tag on Pickens. Then, before the 2026 Draft started, the Cowboys announced that they don’t intend on negotiating a long-term deal with the receiver. From there, it was reported Thursday that Pickens would sign the tag. However, on Monday, with Dallas starting its offseason program, the wide receiver still hasn’t shown up to sign the franchise tag.
Cowboys are having another dysfunctional offseason with George Pickens contract situation
Pickens not signing the tag yet is noteworthy because it means he isn’t technically under contract with Dallas. That matters because he can’t be penalized for not showing up to offseason activities, training camp, or games, if this drama extends into the regular season. His ability to stay away gives him some leverage to negotiate what he wants.
What exactly does Pickens want? A long-term contract from Dallas, or to be traded to a team who is willing to give him one. NFL insider Adam Schefter made that clear during a Monday appearance on the Pat McAfee Show. While the Cowboys have been adamant that they aren’t trading or extending Pickens, it wouldn’t be the first time that a team, or Dallas specifically, went back on its word.
It’s safe to say the Eagles, and the rest of the NFC East, would love to see Pickens traded out of the division. While that would be good because Philadelphia wouldn’t have to face the receiver twice a year, a Pickens trade would also weaken Dallas. The wide receiver, grouped with CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott, made the Cowboys one of the most productive offenses in the NFL. Dallas removing someone from that trio would be a great day for all its rivals.
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Whether it happens or not remains to be seen. The Cowboys love drama, and that’s on display every offseason, so there’s no telling what will happen. Either way, the Eagles will be laughing at their rival.
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