After spending less than a season with the Dallas Cowboys, the new star wide receiver, George Pickens, seems to be noncommittal in his upcoming contract negotiation this upcoming offseason. According to ESPN, they believe that Pickens is “noncommittal” due to his response to reporters about what his future holds in Dallas, and that is something to think about. While Pickens did say he wouldn’t “mind” staying with the Cowboys for the long term, it doesn’t mean there’s a clear path for him to stay on this offensive roster. Originally selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the former Georgia product was acquired via a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers this past offseason.
Pickens has been paying dividends for this offense, especially after losing CeeDee Lamb for a few weeks due to an injury this season. However, owner Jerry Jones will only go so far to want to see this team succeed if he wants. This means that everyone who is a Cowboys fan knows how his contract negotiations go. It wouldn’t be a surprise if both sides can’t come to terms on a contract that works, but it would be up to Jones at the end of their bargain to determine how viable Pickens would be long-term as a part of this passing-attack. After going through drama with Dak Prescott, Lamb and former Cowboy Micah Parsons in their contract talks, it’s still really just a toss-up.
For the sake of this article and being hypothetical, here are three teams that could be next for Pickens if Dallas lets him test the free agent market instead.
Cowboys Star George Pickens “Noncommittal” Could Signal Departure
Next Possible Teams
Kansas City Chiefs
If anyone can give the contract that Pickens wants, it’s the Kansas City Chiefs. While they have three strong, efficient receivers in Xavier Worthy, Tyquan Thornton and a returning Rashee Rice, they could use some more help in the aerial attack to help Patrick Mahomes remain as one of the best in the game. Pickens could showcase his skills in Kansas City for several years as long as he stays healthy, and the team will get him in the right situation.
They were able to quickly develop Thornton before turning him into a full-time starter while Rice is suspended and Worthy has been dealing with injuries. If these continue to be a storyline, the team signing Pickens would be a no-brainer.
Atlanta Falcons
Meanwhile, the Falcons have found some life in their offense ever since losing in a blowout against the Carolina Panthers. Michael Penix Jr. and this offense are finally waking up since they’ve beaten the Bills in a statement win. Between Darnell Mooney and Drake London, it wouldn’t be the worst idea to get Pickens in on the fun. The team, potentially, Pickens would put this Falcons offense having a well-rounded team that already contains an excellent run game from Bijan Robinson.
New Orleans Saints
If rumors are true, the New Orleans Saints could soon firesale plenty of talent as they might look to start over. Quarterback Spencer Rattler is the future franchise signal-caller for the time being, but the regime might not fit Chris Olave, Brandin Cooks and Rashid Shaheed. While they will keep at least one receiver between them, they did just trade for DeVaughn Vele and claimed Trey Palmer off waivers. Pickens might be a fit for the Saints if the team trades Olave and cuts ties with Cooks.
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