It took just one season in Dallas for George Pickens to prove he’s one of the NFL’s top wideouts. Now, a big question looms: Will he play for the Cowboys moving forward?
Dallas is expected to use the franchise tag on Pickens this offseason. After that, the clock is ticking on reaching a long-term deal.
Here are 10 things to know about the Cowboys receiver:
1. The basics
Cowboys
Name: George Pickens Age: 24
Height: 6-3 Weight: 200 pounds
College: Georgia
2. He’s already one of Dak Prescott’s top weapons
Pickens finished his first season in Dallas as the Cowboys’ leading receiver. He closed out the campaign with 93 catches for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns.
The receiver added a new dimension to Dallas’ offense with his ability to make contested catches and his speed to pull away from defenders.
“You’re starting to understand how much of a demon he really is,” CeeDee Lamb said of Pickens in September 2025. “He can take over the game and he’s ecstatic man. He’s electric. Just give him an opportunity.”
3. College career
Pickens played three seasons at Georgia under Kirby Smart, earning playing time as a freshman.
He tore his ACL during his junior season, but returned in time to be part of the Bulldogs’ national championship win over the Alabama Crimson Tide during the 2021-22 season.
Then, he declared for the 2022 NFL draft.
4. Had a viral draft moment
While Pickens went into the league with a strong highlight reel at Georgia, it was his reaction to being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers that captivated the masses.
Donning a ski mask indoors, Pickens stared intently at his TV as his name appeared on screen during Day 2 of the 2022 draft. Here’s a look at the moment:
THROWBACK: GEORGE PICKENS REACTION TO GETTING DRAFTED WAS ONE FOR THE AGES.
💀💀💀
THE MOMENT WE ALL KNEW HE WOULD BE AN ALL-TIME GREAT.
https://t.co/OdtKKCEBEW
— MLFootball (@MLFootball) November 16, 2024
Pickens was apparently expecting to be selected higher than the second round, originally wearing a suit for the occasion.
“Initially, I was a little salty I didn’t go in the first round. I had a clean suit, man,” Pickens told CBS Sports. “When that first day went by, I went in my bed and I slept and I was just telling myself, ‘I’m not gonna put nothing on the second day.’ That’s where you guys see the ski mask, the white t-shirt. Now the pose, that’s just me trolling. Being funny. The pose is what the meme is about, which is crazy.”
5. Steelers career
Pickens had 59 catches for 900 yards and three touchdowns in 2024. He posted at least 50 receptions, 800 yards and three touchdowns in each of his three seasons with the Steelers.
6. Some off-field question marks
Pickens came to Dallas with a few question marks. During his Pittsburgh stint, he was fined numerous times for on-the-field transgressions.
His time with the Cowboys has had a few hiccups. In November, he and Lamb were benched for the first series of Dallas’ meeting with the Las Vegas Raiders. It didn’t affect them as Pickens caught nine passes for 144 yards with a touchdown and Lamb followed that up with five catches for 66 yards and a score in a 33-16 win.
Pickens was also late to numerous team meetings during the 2025 season.
According to The Dallas Morning News’ Calvin Watkins, Jerry Jones doesn’t seem too bothered by Pickens’ behavior. Jones said as long as Pickens cares about the team, he believes he does, along with his teammates, being late to meetings and whatnot, “that’s forgivable.”
7. Who is Pickens’ agent?
Pickens is entering the final year of his four-year rookie contract. He is represented by David Mulugheta, who also serves as the agent for star Cowboys pass rusher Micah Parsons.
Both players are currently seeking long-term extensions. Pickens is set to make $3.6 million for the 2025 season.
8. His brother also played pro football
Pickens isn’t the only member of his family to play in the NFL. Chris Humes, Pickens’ older brother, had a short stint with the Oakland (now Las Vegas) Raiders in 2017.
Humes played cornerback, building up his craft at Arkansas State before moving to the professional ranks. After his stop in Oakland, Humes played for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League.
Pickens credited Humes for helping in his development ahead of his collegiate career.
“My brother really helped me in the whole game of football, just him being a defensive back and me wanting to play receiver. That wasn’t even planned. I used to play running back and he just used to encourage me and be super, super tough,” Pickens told Steelers.com. “He’s seven years older than me… it was a little unfair.”
9. Got into a wild fight against college rival
Pickens’ on-field issues didn’t exactly start when he reached the NFL. Back in 2019, the receiver’s conduct became a topic of discussion after he got into a wild fight during a Georgia-Georgia Tech rivalry game.
With Georgia building on a comfortable lead over Georgia Tech, things unraveled for Pickens when he and Georgia Tech cornerback Tre Swilling scuffled in the end zone. As Georgia receiver Dominick Blaylock came down with a 9-yard touchdown catch, Pickens and Swilling swung punches at each other near the opposite sideline.
Pickens then grabbed Swilling by the facemask and threw the defender at a wall as officials broke up the scrum.
Pickens was ejected from the game, then suspended for the first half of Georgia‘s SEC title bout with LSU the following week.
“Just disappointed, that’s the biggest thing,” Georgia coach Kirby Smart said of Pickens’ fight. “We don’t want to reflect ourselves that way. He would be the first one to tell you that he lost his composure.”
10. Has a knack for crazy catches
Pickens made a series of wild grabs throughout his Pittsburgh stint. That skillset persisted when he joined the Cowboys.
His 2025 highlights include hurdling a defender at Carolina, flying over two Philadelphia defenders and more.
Here’s a look at Pickens’ 2025 highlights:
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