Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver and current Dallas Cowboys All-Pro George Pickens is making it clear that he intends to play in 2026, even without a long-term contract extension in place.
"What's important to me is winning. Like I said, I always want to bring a Super Bowl to a group of guys that never had that feeling. That's really the most important part to me," Pickens recently said during a media appearance.
There had been some speculation about whether Pickens would suit up without a new deal, but all indications point toward him playing this season on the franchise tag, which is worth roughly $27 million.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens makes a catch against the Baltimore Ravens on Jan. 11, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Pickens spent the first three seasons of his career in Pittsburgh. While he flashed elite talent and big-play ability, questions surrounding his maturity persisted throughout his tenure. Incidents ranging from sideline outbursts to reported tardiness ultimately contributed to the Steelers trading him to Dallas with one year remaining on his rookie contract.
The move has paid off for the Cowboys so far.
In his first season in Dallas, Pickens delivered a breakout campaign, hauling in 93 receptions for 1,423 yards and nine touchdowns while earning All-Pro honors. His production only strengthened the belief that a massive payday is eventually coming.
While franchise-tag holdouts are relatively uncommon, they aren't unprecedented. Former Steelers All-Pro running back Le'Veon Bell famously sat out the entire 2018 season rather than play on the tag. That gamble ultimately failed to produce the long-term outcome Bell desired, as he never returned to the level of play he reached during his prime years in Pittsburgh.
For now, though, the news is encouraging from Dallas' perspective. The Cowboys appear set to get another season from one of the NFL's top young receivers without immediately committing to a market-setting extension. Still, it would be surprising if Pickens isn't eventually rewarded with a lucrative long-term deal in the near future.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : George Pickens Focused on Winning, Not Worried About Long-Term Deal with Cowboys
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