Even with the NFL raising the salary cap, the Dallas Cowboys still need to be extremely cautious with every single penny they spend in the offseason. They've committed $20 million to three defensive linemen, and that's on top of all the money they're paying quarterback Dak Prescott and wideout CeeDee Lamb.
The cash-strapped Cowboys' unfavorable financial situation is a huge reason why fans are concerned about George Pickens' future. The star wide receiver looked like a no-brainer to get a new contract, but a combination of a monster price tag and off-field concerns has opened the door for Pickens' time in Dallas to be one-and-done.
As such, Pickens has put the Cowboys between a rock and a hard place.
Cowboys Must Make a George Pickens Decision Soon
On paper, keeping Pickens around should be a no-brainer. He posted career highs all across the board, showed impressive rapport with Prescott, and still hasn't even reached his prime. He hauled in 93 catches on 137 targets for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns, posting a 9.7% touchdown rate and averaging 84.1 yards per game and 15.4 yards per catch.
That elite performance is a huge reason why Spotrac is projecting Pickens to earn $30.6 million annually on his next contract. If the Cowboys had the money ready, it'd be hard not to argue putting pen to paper immediately.
Then again, things are rarely that simple, especially with players like Pickens. He came with some serious baggage, and it seemed that the Pittsburgh Steelers weren't willing to put up with his shenanigans any longer. It'll be interesting to see if the Cowboys reach a similar conclusion if the two sides can't agree on a figure.
The Cowboys could place him under the franchise tag, but history isn't on their side. Players with volatile characters and big egos, such as Pickens, are rarely kind to that idea, and that often leads to long sagas and strained relationships. It wouldn't be shocking to see him threaten to sit out until he either gets another contract or is traded.
Additionally, Pickens is represented by David Mulugheta, the same agent who represents Micah Parsons. Things didn't end well between Mulugheta and owner/general manager Jones during Parsons' contract negotiations, so the agent might not want to play ball and appease his other client.
The Cowboys' offense was a joy to watch at times this season. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer's vertical passing game brought Prescott's best, and having Pickens and Lamb roaming free gives this team two true alpha playmakers.
Money is tight in Arlington, and it'll be up to Jones & Co. to decide if the financial gymnastics needed to keep Pickens in town are worth it. Regardless, Dallas fans hope the Cowboys will decide his fate soon to avoid another unnecessary offseason distraction.