If a George Pickens extension falls through, Cowboys already have their answer
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If a George Pickens extension falls through, Cowboys already have their answer originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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George Pickens will play the 2026 season on a $27.3 million franchise tag after the Dallas Cowboys shut down long-term extension talks. Executive vice president Stephen Jones publicly confirmed that the club will not negotiate a multiyear deal ahead of the July 15 deadline.
Pickens put together a spectacular breakout campaign in 2025. He hauled in 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns en route to his first career Pro Bowl selection. Still, exploding on the field like last season is his only option to raise his paycheck. Jerry Jones wants one more piece of proof that last year's performance was not a fluke.
But in Frisco, there's a growing belief that Dallas has a viable in-house answer if that extension never materializes. His name is Ryan Flournoy.
Pickens had a breakout 2025 season with 93 receptions, 1,429 yards, and nine touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl selection. These numbers will demand a top-tier contract when negotiations resume.
But by using the franchise tag, Dallas bought time rather than committing long-term. The team must decide what to do after 2026, as Pickens' price may be too high alongside CeeDee Lamb’s expensive contract.
Here, Flournoy offers a realistic alternative. The sixth-round pick out of Southeast Missouri State finished 2025 with 40 catches, 475 yards, and four touchdowns on 56 targets. He secured the WR3 spot after Jalen Tolbert left for the Miami Dolphins. Beyond the raw numbers, the coaching staff was impressed by his efficiency.
"Ryan Flournoy, I really think, is taking the next step. I think he's got a chance to be a terrific receiver in this league," head coach Brian Schottenheimer said recently.
Out of 93 NFL wide receivers with at least 250 routes in 2025, Flournoy ranked 11th in first downs per route run. Depending on Pickens' situation, the Cowboys could try to extend Flournoy before he becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2028.
However, Flournoy will not match Pickens' total production. But he could be an affordable WR2 option behind Lamb. The coaching staff is already giving him snaps in the slot during OTAs, ensuring the Cowboys have a backup plan if negotiations with Pickens fail.
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