The Dallas Cowboys trading for George Pickens last offseason generated a ton of excitement, but the explosive wideout exceeded all expectations this past year.
Having a career season, Pickens proved that he is a bona fide No. 1 wide receiver in the NFL, and fortunately for him, he did it just before the first free agency of his career.
Now, one year after trading for him, the Cowboys must figure out how to keep him on their roster. While contract situations can often be nightmares, especially in Dallas, Jerry Jones should be excited about the opportunity Pickens has given him.
Because of the wideout’s breakout year, the polarizing Jones has an opportunity to make the fan base happy; all he has to do is sign Pickens to a drama-free extension.
George Pickens’ contract situation should be a layup for Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones
It's safe to say Cowboys fans are uneasy about how the Pickens’ negotiations will play out, and rightfully so.
After all, Dallas is only a year removed from an ugly contract saga with Micah Parsons, which resulted in the star defender getting traded. There’s a natural fear that the Cowboys could ultimately lose Pickens, who has the same agent as Parsons, as well.
Jones could prove to fans that things are different now. The way to do that is to quickly sign the 24-year-old to an extension. No need to franchise tag or even allow Pickens the opportunity to reach free agency; the team can simply sign the wideout to a multi-year extension. By doing that, Jerry Jones and the Cowboys will send the message that easy contract decisions can actually be easy.
The reason this is an easy decision is Pickens’ lone season in Dallas. The receiver caught 93 passes for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns. He also made the first Pro Bowl of his career and was named Second-Team All-Pro.
Additionally, the receiver is only turning 25 years old in March, and his teammates love him and have been vocal that the team can’t afford to lose him. The wise thing to do is to avoid the drama and extend a player like that.
Unfortunately, Jerry Jones and the Cowboys aren’t about avoiding the drama, and it doesn’t seem like they will in this seemingly simple situation either.
Dallas is already reportedly working towards using the franchise tag on Pickens, and that could very well be the start of a messy saga. If the franchise can get out of its own way and just extend Pickens, Jerry Jones can gain favor with fans.