Tomlin Questions Cowboys' Pickens Commitment | Dallas Cowboys News

0:00It's September 4th. This is Dallas Cowboys News Today, Team News powered by AI. Former Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is raising eyebrows, questioning why the Dallas Cowboys haven't committed long term to receive a George Pickens. Tomlin, now an NBC analyst, pointed out that Pittsburgh's usual approach is to develop young talent and extend contracts for those fitting the long range vision. He noted this didn't happen with Pickens, and while he's proven himself, something has also prevented Dallas from making that big commitment. The Cowboys did franchise tag Pickens earlier this year, at deal worth $27.3 million. However, they couldn't reach a long-term agreement before the July 15th deadline. So, Pickens will play this upcoming season on that tag, and any further contract talks are on hold until next winter. Tomlin couldn't speak to the specifics of what's happening in Dallas, or what Pickens needs to do to secure his future there. It's interesting because Pickens had a breakout year in Dallas in 2025, setting career highs

1:02with 93 catches for 1000. 429 yards and 9 touchdowns. Those receiving yards were the most by any player in their first season with the Cowboys, earning him a pro-bull nod and second team all pro-honors. This performance stands in contrast to his time in Pittsburgh, where he played 48 gains over three seasons. Pickens himself wrote last November that he felt Pittsburgh wasn't the long-term fit for his path, acknowledging he made mistakes as a younger player. Meanwhile, the Cowboys are heading into the season with questions about their offense, especially with the potential cost of keeping both Pickens and CD-LAM at the top of the market. Coach Brian Shottenheimer is entering his second year, and the team is returning all 11 offensive starters. Tomlin's comments add another layer to the ongoing contract situation. While Pickens has shown flashes of brilliance, the lack of a long-term deal in Dallas, despite his impressive first season, leaves his future with a team uncertain.

2:03The Cowboys season kicks off Sunday, September 13, against the New York Giants.