Cowboys Coach Hints at George Pickens' Long-Term Future Amid Contract Talks

Brian Schottenheimer says the team expects the star receiver to be in Dallas 'for a long time'.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:19pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a football player in mid-stride, with their form broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a palette of navy, green, and orange, conveying the uncertainty and complexity surrounding the player's contract negotiations.Pickens' future in Dallas remains uncertain, but the team's coach expresses confidence the star receiver will remain a Cowboy.Pickens Today

The Dallas Cowboys have placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on star wide receiver George Pickens, leading to speculation about his future with the team. However, Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer offered an optimistic update, saying the team expects Pickens to remain in Dallas 'for a long time' despite the ongoing contract negotiations.

Why it matters

Pickens emerged as one of the NFL's most dynamic playmakers after being traded to the Cowboys in 2025, making the Pro Bowl and earning Second-Team All-Pro honors. Retaining him is a top priority for the Cowboys, who used the franchise tag to keep him for 2026 while working on a long-term extension.

The details

Pickens, who is reportedly seeking a deal around $30 million per year, has been the subject of trade rumors and contract disputes. However, Schottenheimer's comments suggest the Cowboys are confident they can reach an agreement to keep Pickens in Dallas for the foreseeable future.

  • The Cowboys placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Pickens in February 2026.
  • Pickens was traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Cowboys in May 2025.

The players

George Pickens

A dynamic young wide receiver who had a breakout season with the Cowboys in 2025, earning his first Pro Bowl selection and Second-Team All-Pro honors.

Brian Schottenheimer

The head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, who expressed optimism about Pickens' long-term future with the team.

Dallas Cowboys

The NFL team that acquired Pickens in a trade in 2025 and has placed the franchise tag on him as they work to sign him to a long-term extension.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I just know he loves football, and he makes us better. It'll play out how it plays out, but we expect him to be a Cowboy for a long time.”

— Brian Schottenheimer, Head Coach, Dallas Cowboys

What’s next

The Cowboys and Pickens will continue contract negotiations, with the team hoping to sign the star receiver to a long-term extension before the 2026 season begins.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the Cowboys' commitment to retaining one of the NFL's most talented young receivers, even if it means using the franchise tag and investing significant resources to keep Pickens in Dallas long-term.