The Cowboys just resigned one of their standout weapons but it’s not the player fans were hoping.
Dallas signed free agent Javonte Williams to a 3-year, $24 million contract on Saturday. It fills one of many holes for the Cowboys this offseason but should it have been their first priority?
Extending Williams could be just one of many dominoes to fall that makes it harder to sign George Pickens.
Why Javonte Williams extension is bad news for George Pickens
Dallas originally signed Williams to a 1-year, $3 million deal last season. It was a cheap, prove-it opportunity for an injury-riddled running back. It was also the perfect fit financially on a team with a $60 million quarterback in Dak Prescott and a $38 million wide receiver in CeeDee Lamb.
Williams was well worth the investment and repaired his value with a 13-touchdown season. But the running back was far from the most surprising talent to join the Cowboys. That superlative goes to George Pickens.
Just like Williams was, Pickens is a free agent this offseason. He had an All-Pro caliber debut as a Cowboy with 1,429 yards and 9 touchdowns. He’s arguably the most important trade acquisition for Dallas since the turn of the century.
Rumors have swirled about the Cowboys using the franchise tag on Pickens but signing him to a long-term deal would keep him locked in for the future. However, with Williams signed and the expensive price tag on Prescott and Lamb, Pickens would be another addition to an already-costly offense.
George Pickens 93 REC, 1429 YDS, 9 TDs Full Season highlights 2025-26 Season.pic.twitter.com/FaY80Y9Wu8 https://t.co/7c2uow4vJd
— Football Performances (@NFLPerformances) February 12, 2026
In short: Dallas can’t keep shelling out money to the offense and that could put Pickens’ new contract in jeopardy.
While signing Williams may be a good sign for the Cowboys’ front office, it might be bad news for the future of George Pickens in Dallas.
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