Tag: George Pickens

Dec 25, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) celebrates after a play against the Washington Commanders during the first half at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images

Report: Cowboys to tag WR George Pickens on Friday

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Cowboys plan to place the franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens on Friday, Yahoo Sports reported.

Dallas would be charged a one-year salary of around $28.8 million for tagging Pickens unless the two sides reach a long-term agreement before July 15.

Pickens, who turns 25 on March 4, caught 93 passes for 1,429 yards with nine touchdowns in 17 games in his first season with the Cowboys in 2025.

Team vice president Stephen Jones confirmed earlier this week that the Cowboys had no plans to part with Pickens.

“We want Pickens here. We think the world of him,” Jones said Monday at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. “Want him here. Love him, and I think he wants to be here. So all that’s a plus.”

The Steelers selected Pickens in the second round of the 2022 draft and he played his first three seasons in Pittsburgh. Pickens has produced 267 receptions, 4,270 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns in 65 games (55 starts).

–Field Level Media

Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys place kicker Brandon Aubrey (17) kicks a field goal during the first half against the Minnesota Vikings at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Cowboys tee up free agency quandary with PK Brandon Aubrey

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones probably didn’t picture a scenario where Pro Bowl kicker Brandon Aubrey demanded a $10 million salary to stick around Dallas in lieu of flirting with other teams in restricted free agency, but the two sides could tee up that very reality in the days ahead.

Aubrey was reportedly offered a deal that would make him the highest-paid kicker in the NFL, displacing Harrison Butker of the Chiefs ($6.4 million annual average salary). But Aubrey, a Pro Bowl selection in all three of his seasons and first-team All-Pro in 2023, rejected the contract, according to multiple reports, and wants something closer to three times the total value of his rookie deal.

The Cowboys intend to use the franchise tag to keep wide receiver George Pickens from running away from Dallas on the open market. Pickens, 25 on March 4, is an unrestricted free agent following a career year in his first season with the Cowboys (93 receptions, 1,429 yards, nine touchdowns). He played the first three years of his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Aubrey, who turns 31 on March 14, is a restricted free agent, which does present a limited negotiating advantage for the Cowboys.

The peripheral details are the devil for Dallas.

Because Aubrey was undrafted, the Cowboys would not receive any compensation if another team made an offer they couldn’t — or chose not to — match under the first-refusal rights the collective bargaining agreement affords. Even if the Cowboys placed a second-round tender on Aubrey at a one-year rate of $5.8 million, he could receive a heavily front-loaded offer or one framed with excessive bonuses that Dallas might not be able to match.

Jones has forever followed a negotiating position of waiting to sign player to contract extensions until deadlines arrive. It has been true of many past and current players — quarterback Dak Prescott, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb are recent examples — and the delay in action tends to pack of wallop on the wallet of the longstanding Cowboys owner.

He has been discussing a “high priority” contract with Aubrey since watching him drill a game-tying 64-yard field goal as time expired in regulation, then a winning 46-yard kick in overtime of the Cowboys’ 40-37 victory over the New York Giants in September.

The 2025 season wrapped up a three-year, $2.695 million contract for Aubrey. He made 36 of 42 field goal-attempts (85.7%), including 11 of 17 from 50 or more yards, and 47 of 48 extra-point attempts.

For his career, Aubrey is 112 of 127 (88.2%) on field goals with a long of 65 yards, and 126 of 130 (96.9%) on extra points.

–Field Level Media

Oct 12, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) celebrates with quarterback Dak Prescott (4) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

Cowboys ‘lean toward’ tagging WR George Pickens to prioritize defense

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Tagging George Pickens is the most likely solution for the Dallas Cowboys to maintain long-term cap flexibility, keep the wide receiver and save some cash to address improving personnel on defense.

Cowboys vice president Stephen Jones laid out the scenario on Monday as the NFL Scouting Combine becomes the backdrop for league business for the next week.

“We want Pickens here. We think the world of him,” Jones said. “Want him here. Love him, and I think he wants to be here. So all that’s a plus.”

Dallas would be charged a one-year salary of around $28 million to use the franchise tag on Pickens unless the two sides reach a long-term agreement before July 15.

Pickens caught 93 passes for 1,429 yards with nine touchdowns in 2025. He turns 25 on March 4.

Dallas signed running back Javonte Williams to a three-year, $24 million contract to keep one of their difference-makers from hitting the open market.

The Cowboys fired defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus at the end of the 2025 season and hired Christian Parker to repair that side of the ball. Jones said part of that equation involves upgrading the level of talent.

“We want to fix this defense,” Jones said of the budget priorities. “We feel really good about the offensive side of the ball now that we got Javonte done and we know that we’ll have George back. So, we feel really good about that side of the ball. Obviously we spent a lot of time on it already in the offseason, revamping the defensive coaching staff, and now we’ll take the next steps, which are to improve the personnel on that side of the ball.”

The Steelers selected Pickens in the second round of the 2022 draft and he played his first three seasons in Pittsburgh. Pickens has produced 267 receptions, 21 touchdowns and 4,270 receiving yards in 65 games (55 starts).

–Field Level Media

Feb 2, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys receiver George Pickens during NFC practice at the NFL Flag Fieldhouse at Moscone Center South Building. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Report: Cowboys to place franchise tag on George Pickens

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told the team’s website that Dallas wants to keep George Pickens for “a long time,” and will take a step toward that by placing the franchise tag on the Pro Bowl wide receiver, ESPN reported on Saturday.

Per the report, the fully guaranteed tag — which can be applied from Feb. 17 to March 3 — will cost the Cowboys approximately $28 million.

By placing the tag on Pickens, Dallas would limit his free agent options and up the odds that he would stay put following a 93-catch, nine-touchdown and 1,429-yard campaign — all career-high numbers. Pickens also collected his first Pro Bowl nod and earned second-team all-NFL honors per the Associated Press.

“I’m talking to George all the time by virtue of my excitement for him,” Jones told the team website this week. “He’s better than, as far as what he contributed to our team, showing the potential that he could contribute. I’m looking forward to getting things worked out so George can be a Cowboy a long time.”

Pickens, who turns 25 on March 4, is among 15 unrestricted free agents for the Cowboys — a group that includes defensive end Jadeveon Clowney and running back Javonte Williams.

Count quarterback Dak Prescott among those in Cowboys camp who want to see the former Georgia star receiver return this fall.

“I think it must be done,” Prescott said at this week’s Pro Bowl Games. “I think obviously from Jerry to everybody down understands that. The impact on this offense and the team and the great player that he is, we’ve got to find a way to keep him here.”

In four NFL seasons, including the first three with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who selected him in the second round of the 2022 draft, Pickens has produced 267 receptions, 21 touchdowns and 4,270 receiving yards in 65 games (55 starts).

–Field Level Media

Jerry Jones: Cowboys angling to keep ‘better than anticipated’ WR George Pickens

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Cowboys owner Jerry Jones reached the point where he doesn’t want to envision George Pickens putting on another jersey.

The contract-year wide receiver leads the Cowboys with 67 receptions for 1,054 yards and eight touchdowns along with a team-best 15.7 average per reception. He’s taking attention away from CeeDee Lamb, and quarterback Dak Prescott is on pace for 36 touchdown passes and more than 4,500 passing yards.

“We’ve got two No. 1 receivers,” Jones told 105.3 FM The Fan on Tuesday. “And that’s just exceptional right at this time. Guess what? Our quarterback is probably the best that he’s ever been. There’s more there.”

Pickens, 24, was available in a trade from the Steelers in part because he was labeled as immature and abrasive in Pittsburgh. The current season is the final year of his rookie contract.

“He’s an outstanding, let me emphasize this again, outstanding teammate,” Jones said. “He brings energy to the team even when he’s not making some of those great receptions. Bottom line, it’s working, and it’s precious to have it here right at this time with what we’re trying to do with Dak and how we’re trying to maximize having him.”

Dallas signed Lamb to a four-year, $136 million deal just before the 2024 regular season began. Based on the current market and Pickens’ production, he could be in the same neighborhood — or above — as Lamb on a long-term deal.

“There’s nothing that we can do. I know it’s fun, but there’s nothing that we can gain from speculating and conjecture,” Jones said of potentially paying Pickens more than Lamb. “The bottom line is that we’re in good shape. We built the trade so that we could have potentially our options, and of course, frankly, he’s lived and is playing better than we could’ve even anticipated.”

Pickens turns 25 on March 4, which comes after the NFL franchise tag deadline.

Last week he said he wasn’t sure how he would accept the Cowboys opting for the tag if the sides can’t reach a long-term agreement by March. The one-year value of the franchise tag is projected to be around $25.5 million in 2026.

Lamb said he gets the sense the Cowboys are not going to let Pickens out the door. They acquired Pickens after signing running back Javonte Williams in free agency for $3.5 million.

With cap available in the offseason, Dallas is also expected to address newly acquired defensive tackle Quinnen Williams’ contract and look for additional help on defense.

Lamb knows where he would spend the Cowboys’ cash.

“I have the most confidence that we’re going to keep him, and I’m sure that he wants to be here with how much fun he’s having and everything he’s accomplishing on the field,” he said last week. “So for us as his teammates, I feel like it’s pretty clear: We want GP back.”

–Field Level Media

No explanation behind Cowboys WRs sitting out first drive vs. Raiders

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Dallas Cowboys starting wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens didn’t take the field to start Monday’s game against the host Las Vegas Raiders because of a disciplinary matter all parties are keeping undisclosed.

“It’s tough. Made a coach’s decision, some things that were missed,” Dallas coach Brian Schottenheimer said after his team’s 33-16 victory. “Had a conversation with those guys that was easy. You look with the energy those guys play with, they jump-started the offense when they got back in there. That’s why I love those guys, again, this was a great team win.”

When asked what exactly was “missed,” Schottenheimer was quick with a response.

“A couple of things missed,” he said.

Neither wide receiver seemed intent on talking about the issue.

“Not going into depth on that honestly,” Lamb said. “I’m not. I’m sorry. I’m not.”

Pickens chose a different path, saying that he wasn’t on the field because of a defensive alignment by the Raiders. When informed that Schottenheimer said it was a disciplinary issue, Pickens declared “that’s between me and Schotty.”

Lamb and Pickens returned for Dallas’ second drive. Pickens reeled in a 12-yard catch during the Cowboys’ third possession and Lamb capped the team’s fourth with an 18-yard touchdown reception early in the second quarter.

Pickens had nine catches for 144 yards and one touchdown and Lamb added five receptions for 66 yards and a score.

The Cowboys (4-5-1) return to action at home against the NFC East-rival Philadelphia Eagles (8-2) on Sunday afternoon.

–Field Level Media

NFL levies fines against Rashod Bateman, Josh Allen, George Pickens, others

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Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman has been fined $25,154 for comments made during Baltimore’s Thursday night 28-6 win over the Miami Dolphins a week ago, joining several NFL players in receiving fines from the NFL on Saturday.

Bateman was cited for verbal abuse of an official.

In addition to Bateman, the league handed down $13,888 fines for Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen and wide receiver Elijah Moore for their celebration against the Kansas City Chiefs, a $17,389 fine to Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens for unsportsmanlike conduct (against the Arizona Cardinals), and also levied fines to Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Travon Walker, and Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones.

Al-Shaair was hit for $17,389 for unnecessary roughness (hit on a defenseless player) against the Denver Broncos. Walker was docked $12,172 for unnecessary roughness against the Las Vegas Raiders. Jones was tagged for $23,186 for unnecessary roughness (use of helmet) against the Detroit Lions.

–Field Level Media

Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) reacts after a catch against the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Report: Cowboys acquiring WR George Pickens from Steelers

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Dallas Cowboys are finalizing a trade to acquire wide receiver George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for draft pick compensation, ESPN reported on Wednesday.

Per the report, the trade is expected to include a third-round draft pick and likely will be completed later on Wednesday.

The Cowboys had been seeking another star wideout to pair with four-time Pro Bowl selection CeeDee Lamb.

This reported move comes approximately six months after Dallas acquired wide receiver Jonathan Mingo and a seventh-round pick of the 2025 NFL Draft from the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a fourth-round selection in the same draft.

The Steelers, in turn, acquired wide receiver DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks on March. 9. The two-time Pro Bowler then signed a four-year, $132 million deal with Pittsburgh.

Pickens, 24, had 59 catches for 900 yards with three touchdowns in 14 games last season. He has one season remaining on his rookie contract is slated to become a free agent next March.

Pickens, however, appeared to be distancing himself from the Steelers, notably unfollowing the team on social media.

Pickens has 174 receptions for 2,841 yards with 12 scores in 48 career games since being selected by Pittsburgh in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

–Field Level Media

Dec 8, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) reacts on the sidelines against the Cleveland Browns during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Steelers WR George Pickens to return vs. Chiefs

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens will not carry an injury designation into Wednesday’s game against the visiting Kansas City Chiefs.

Pickens has missed the past three games for the Steelers (10-5) due to a hamstring injury that he sustained in practice.

Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin said he’s pleased to welcome back Pickens after the team has lost two in a row to find itself tied with the Baltimore Ravens (10-5) atop the AFC North.

“I think it’s self-explanatory,” Tomlin said on Tuesday. “He is a splash playmaker. He’s a one-on-one playmaker. Oftentimes he controls schematics, which creates one-on-ones for others, or a light box regarding the run.

“But that’s what talented, outside people do. Not only George, but anybody that has talented outside people.”

Pickens, 23, has a team-leading 55 catches and 850 yards. He has caught three touchdown passes.

While Pickens is expected to play on Wednesday, cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (knee) and wide receiver Ben Skowronek (hip) didn’t practice for the second straight day this week on Tuesday and have been ruled out against the Chiefs (14-1).

Quarterback Justin Fields was limited in practice on Tuesday and is questionable to face Kansas City due to an abdomen injury.

Defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (groin), cornerback Donte Jackson (back) and safety DeShon Elliott (hamstring) do not carry an injury designation and are expected to play against the Chiefs.

–Field Level Media