George Pickens’ first season as a member of the Dallas Cowboys was an impressive one.
The dynamic wide receiver was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career after catching 93 passes for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns.
George Pickens ranked as top 2026 NFL free agent
Given his productive play, it’s no surprise that Pickens was recently ranked as the No. 1 overall 2026 NFL free agent by Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report.
“Pickens should be the top target of virtually all teams in need of a true top target, provided they have the cap flexibility to offer a top-10 receiver contract,” Knox wrote. “Of course, Dallas is likely to ensure that Pickens never receives those offers.
“Dallas will probably extend an offer well ahead of free agency and then use the franchise tag if Pickens doesn't accept. For now, though, his combination of youth, upside, and recent production makes him our top 2026 free agent heading into the playoffs.”
While Pickens is technically set to be a free agent, he’s unlikely to leave Dallas, as Knox noted. Even if the Cowboys can’t come to an agreement on a long-term contract with the star receiver, they’re likely to use the franchise tag on him to keep him around.
Pickens might not love the idea of playing under the tag next season, few players do, but there’s nothing he can do about it.
If Pickens does somehow become available on the open market, there will likely be no shortage of suitors. Big-play receivers are at a premium in the NFL today, and Pickens would immediately become the top target on many teams around the league’s landscape. As a result, he's definitely a player to keep an eye on heading into the free agency.
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