The Dallas Cowboys are trying to figure things out as it pertains to wins. At 3-5-1, they are four wins behind the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC East, and their best hopes of earning a playoff spot would be as a wild card team.
One aspect that hasn't been an issue for the Cowboys, though, is the passing game. Dak Prescott is sixth in the NFL in passing yards, and the Cowboys rank fourth in the NFL in yards per game. A big reason for this is the addition of George Pickens into the offense.
The Georgia product will be a free agent in 2026, and ESPN's Jeremy Fowler notes that the Cowboys would love to keep him around for the long-term future.
"The Pickens experiment in Dallas has gone swimmingly," Fowler writes. "He is pacing for 1,400-plus yards and more than 10 touchdowns as the ideal counterpart to CeeDee Lamb. His immense talent -- and the number of teams starved for receiver help -- will drive his value."
Fowler adds that the Cowboys could explore using the franchise tag on Pickens if they can't come to terms on a long-term deal.
"The franchise tag -- which would be around $29 million -- could be a backup option for Dallas," Fowler writes.
Pickens has been tremendous for the Cowboys this season, catching 49 passes for 764 yards and six touchdowns. While the Cowboys' defense has held them back from being a real contender in the NFC thus far, the tandem of Pickens and Lamb has been incredibly productive.
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