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The Dallas Cowboys have high expectations for the 2026 NFL season. For a team that has not even sniffed an NFC Championship Game in over 30 years, they certainly are carrying themselves as a team that is confident that they can compete for a Super Bowl. Of course, that is what fans want. Fans want to believe in their team, and it helps when the coaches and players believe they can make a deep run and win a title. Part of the reason why the Cowboys are so confident this year is because of their high-powered offense, which features two of the best wide receivers in the NFL in CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens has impressed Dak Prescott Pickens has shown up and participated in all of Dallas’ offseason activities, even though he does not have a long-term contract extension in place. Instead of signing him after his Pro Bowl season, the Cowboys decided to place the franchise tag on him. Oftentimes, players will refuse to play on the tag. While the one-year salary is fully guaranteed, it does not provide them with any long-term security. Still, Pickens has shown up and has practiced hard to prepare for the 2026 season. “He has showed up and been George,” quarterback Dak Prescott said. “I can’t say it has surprised me just because that’s what I’ve expected out of him from the moment he’s been here and what he’s shown us. “Going into training camp, playing on the (franchise) tag, the guy wants to play football and he wants to be around his teammates. You just get a vision of that every day and what that looks like when he gets on the field. He’s able to just fully be George, bringing the energy, making the catches, making the plays, obviously with what he brings to this offense he showed last year. “Now it’s about taking another step. Not only for him and his game, but how we’re going to use him, how we’re going to use him as decoys, how other people are going to complement, how him and CeeDee (Lamb) go hand in hand. You gotta set your game plan up for both of them. “He’s done everything I’ve expected of him. He’s put himself in a great position here leaving Oxnard.” Last season, Pickens had 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns in his first season with the Cowboys. When they acquired him via trade a year ago, the hope was that he could resurrect his career after several troubling seasons in Pittsburgh. And he did. Since coming to Dallas, Pickens has been a model player and has done everything the team has asked of him. While he is gladly playing on the franchise tag this year, hopefully the organization sees it fit to give him more security down the road. He is doing his part by putting the team first, and he deserves to be rewarded for it. More NFL news from Gridiron Heroics - Nick Chubb joins rare RB club after announcing retirement - Shedeur Sanders’ camp allegedly threatening to get people fired from the NFL - Tyreek Hill’s agent delivers blunt update on star’s timetable to return from injury For More Great Football Content Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in college and professional football, click here