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Jerry Jones wants his "most prolific" star to be NFL's top WR this season originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Dallas Cowboys opened training camp in Oxnard this week without the high-profile contract drama that has historically plagued the franchise’s summers. Thanks to wide receiver George Pickens, who didn't drag things much after signing his $27.3 million franchise tag.
However, the front office set this plan months ago. They told Pickens' agent before the 2026 NFL draft that they wanted him to play out the year before discussing an extension.
Pickens accepted the decision without a fight. He attended mandatory minicamp in June, stated his focus was "football first," and left the contract details to his agent.
Owner Jerry Jones met with reporters in Oxnard and made it clear he fully supports Pickens heading into the season. The 83-year-old called his star receiver a critical part of the team's plans, stating that the mix of talent around him gives fans tons of reasons for confidence.
He said, “I hope that he comes out here and is the most prolific, successful receiver in the NFL this year. And how would you like to be a free agent and with his credentials and step out there and have a year like that? I wish all of that because if that happens, that (would be) good for us.”
Most importantly, Jones directly addressed the future by stating, "Make no mistake about it, George could be a Cowboy for the rest of his career and that'd be a long time."
He explained that the one-year franchise tag simply fit the team's immediate cap situation, but the front office views him as a foundational piece for the franchise long-term.
The Alabama native recorded 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns in his first season in Dallas, finishing third in the NFL in receiving yards and earning second-team All-Pro honors.
Jones called the tag situation a "win-win," saying Pickens could be a Cowboy for the rest of his career if things play out right, adding the tag fit both sides and Dallas got it done.
Dallas is coming off a 7-9-1 finish and revamped its defense this offseason, adding DC Christian Parker and rookies Caleb Downs and Malachi Lawrence. But the offense, which scored the seventh-most points in the league last year, still runs through Pickens.
If he delivers this season, Pickens could remain a Cowboy for the rest of his career. The best part? Jones can give him the highest-paid receiver contract in the NFL as well. He has only this 2026 season to prove that he is really worthy and that the career-high stats he dropped last season were not a fluke.
More NFL news:
- Cowboys QB Dak Prescott channels Super Bowl glory with bold shirt decision
- Why this ex-NFL star believes George Pickens is set for a 'gigantic mistake' with $27.3 million gamble
- Colts ready to dump once-promising franchise QB as Cowboys emerge in surprise trade buzz
- Jerry Jones gets bold Cowboys prediction from former Super Bowl champion after massive defensive overhaul
- Cowboys' Jerry Jones faces tough questions on $52 million decision as camp begins
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