The season for the Dallas Cowboys has become significantly more complicated following their 44-30 loss to the Detroit Lions on Thursday Night Football. A victory would have seen them leapfrog the Lions in the standings and given them a 31% chance of making the playoffs. Instead, the defeat drops their probability to a grim 6%, leaving them 2.5 games behind the 49ers, who currently occupy the seventh and final NFC playoff spot.
It is likely that even winning their four remaining games won’t be enough, setting them up for a second consecutive year without the playoffs and extending their 30-year drought without even reaching the NFC Championship game, let alone the Super Bowl.
The Cost of Excellence: Pickens Projected as Top 2026 Free Agent
A poor start to the season, particularly on defense where they allowed at least 22 points in their first nine games, is what now has the Cowboys front office planning for the 2026 season. Despite three missed weeks from CeeDee Lamb, the offense has looked strong for most of the season, thanks largely to the bargain addition of George Pickens in the offseason.
Pickens has been phenomenal, ranking second in the league in receiving yards (1,142) and third in receiving touchdowns (8). His exceptional campaign projects the 24-year-old, according to Spotrac, for a massive four-year contract worth $125 million with an average annual value of $31 million. This figure would make him the second most valuable free agent for 2026 in terms of market value, trailing only Colts quarterback Daniel Jones ($47 million).
This projection creates a major dilemma for Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. Paying Pickens would secure an elite aerial attack for the next few years, featuring Dak Prescott, Lamb, Jake Ferguson, and Pickens. However, that substantial money might be better utilized addressing the defense, which, while improved by mid-season trades, still requires a high-quality free agent signing to truly compete.
Pickens’ Season Makes His Trade an All-Time Blunder
For Pickens, his future in Dallas may only last for four more weeks. While his return to Dallas is possible, it looks complicated, as many teams would undoubtedly pay him whatever he asks.
The team that should truly be regretting its decision is the Pittsburgh Steelers, for letting him go so cheaply, for just a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick. To illustrate their blunder, if you combine the receiving yards of Pittsburgh’s top three players, DK Metcalf (605), Pat Freiermuth (298), and Calvin Austin III (276), their total of 1,181 yards only just barely surpasses Pickens’ current total of 1,179 yards by himself.
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