George Pickens and the Dallas Cowboys closed the 2025 NFL season on a disappointing note, finishing 7-9-1 and missing the playoffs for a second consecutive year. However, the Cowboys improved their draft position after Week 18, securing the No. 12 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft following their loss to the New York Giants.
While Dallas’ season didn’t go as planned, Pickens was one of the few bright spots. In the offseason, the Cowboys acquired the former Georgia wideout in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers, along with a 2027 sixth round pick, sending a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth in return. And Jerry Jones got his money’s worth, as Pickens led the team with 93 catches, 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.
Following the season, Pickens saw his four-year, $6,752,179 contract expire, making him an unrestricted free agent. All signs point to the breakout wide receiver returning to Dallas, either on a new contract or via the franchise tag. However, before the Cowboys can finalize a deal with Pickens, they have made a decision regarding another wide receiver.
Parris Campbell, a 6-foot wide receiver out of Ohio State, was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. After limited playing time during his first three seasons, Campbell broke out in his fourth year, recording 63 catches for 623 yards and three touchdowns. He later spent the 2023 season with the New York Giants and the 2024 season with the Philadelphia Eagles, winning a Super Bowl.
Campbell went on to sign a one-year deal with the Cowboys in last year’s free agency. He spent the majority of the year on the practice squad, unable to see any game action. Still, Dallas thought enough of Campbell to bring him back, signing the wide receiver to a reserve/future deal on Monday.
Along with Campbell, offensive lineman Nick Leverett was also signed to a reserve/future contract, with more signings expected to come in the next few days.
“The Cowboys have signed WR Parris Campbell and OL Nick Leverett, who were on the practice squad, to reserve/future deals today,” ESPN’s Todd Archer wrote on X. “More of such re-signings of practice squad players is expected tomorrow.”
Still, despite the re-signing of Campbell, Jones feels confident that Pickens will be back in Dallas next year, continuing his stellar play alongside fellow Pro Bowler CeeDee Lamb.
“No, I do not at this time,” Jones said in November when asked if he envisions a scenario without Pickens in 2026. “We’ve got two number one receivers and that’s just exceptional right at the time, guess what? Our quarterback is probably the best that he’s ever been. There’s more there.”
