Cowboys Rumors Reveal George Pickens, Javonte Williams Contract Buzz Ahead of 2026 NFL Free Agency

The Dallas Cowboys have multiple players they're hoping to retain ahead of free agency, but it sounds like they're taking their time with negotiations.

According to Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News, "two people briefed on the situation" said that the Cowboys "have not held any contract talks" with the agent for star receiver George Pickens.

Watkins added that team officials "have held preliminary discussions" with free-agent running back Javonte Williams, but negotiations are on hold until he hires an agent.

The Cowboys acquired Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers last offseason, and he put forth the best year of his career in Dallas. He ranked third in the NFL with 1,429 receiving yards while leading the team with 93 catches and nine touchdown receptions on his way to earning his first Pro Bowl selection.

When asked about the possibility of the franchise tag, Pickens gave his thoughts on Monday.

"I'm not really sure," Pickens said about potentially receiving the one-year tag, according to Joseph Hoyt of The Dallas Morning News. "It would be my first time. I wouldn't really know how to react. I would want to just be with the guys … all I can say is I hope for the best. I can't really control the uncontrollables."

Retaining Pickens should be the top priority for the Cowboys this offseason, and Watkins noted that "from the moment the season ended, team officials have expressed a desire" to re-sign him. Star quarterback Dak Prescott and receiver CeeDee Lamb also reportedly "expressed a desire" for his return. He should be in line for a contract that would make him one of the highest-paid receivers in the NFL.

Prescott told reporters Monday that Pickens is an "important piece of this offense" and deserves a new contact. He raved about the wideout's impact during the 2025 season:

"You have a whole offseason, you're planning for how to attack, and then (Lamb gets injured), then this guy really just steps up and comes into his own and shows us how great of a player he can be and allows us to see we have two No. 1 (wide receivers). It was a blessing for us. It's the main reason we gotta keep him. He does more than just open it up for CeeDee. He's a game-changer himself, and we've got to use that."

Watkins explained that the lack of discussions with Pickens' camp "isn't concerning," but "the thought of getting a deal done sooner rather than later seems prudent" in the wake of Dallas losing star edge rusher Micah Parsons to a trade to the Green Bay Packers last offseason following failed contract negotiations.

It should be noted that Pickens' agent, Trevon Smith, works in the same firm as David Mulugheta, who represents Parsons and famously got into a public back-and-forth with team owner Jerry Jones last offseason. Watkins reported that Mulugheta "has a close relationship with Pickens, so it wouldn't be unusual for him to speak with the Cowboys about a new deal."

Williams also enjoyed a strong season in his first year in Dallas, rushing for career highs of 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns. He will undoubtedly command some interest on the open market, so the Cowboys would be wise to prioritize him in addition to Pickens.