Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has refrained from making direct comments regarding the ongoing contract negotiations involving teammate George Pickens, who remains unsigned as the team prepares for the 2025 season. Last month, Prescott advised Pickens to “bet on yourself” if the Cowboys decided to place the franchise tag on him. This advice garnered attention for its potential impact on the receiver’s decision-making process.
During the Children’s Cancer Fund anniversary gala on Friday, Prescott briefly addressed the situation, emphasizing that his offseason training with Pickens has not changed from previous years. “We’re just working, no different than I have any offseason,” Prescott stated, as reported by Jon Machota of TheAthletic.com. He noted that this is the first real offseason with Pickens actively participating, adding, “He’s showed up and been active, has looked great. So super excited, leaving all that, those contract talks and that off to the front office.”
The Cowboys have yet to commence their voluntary offseason program, placing Pickens in a critical position. He must decide whether to sign the franchise tag, which guarantees him $27.298 million for the 2025 season, or to agree to a participation contract to engage in team activities. Sources indicate that Pickens is unlikely to sign the tag immediately, casting uncertainty on his availability for offseason workouts. His primary leverage lies in his absence from team facilities.
The Cowboys have until July 15 to negotiate a long-term contract with Pickens. However, reports suggest that the organization is hesitant to allocate significant financial resources beyond the 2026 season. Consequently, it appears that Pickens is poised to play the 2025 season under the franchise tag unless a last-minute agreement is reached. This situation highlights the delicate balance between player empowerment and team control within the NFL’s contract landscape, with Pickens’ next move likely to set the tone for his immediate future with the Cowboys.
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