George Pickens’ strong first season with the Dallas Cowboys apparently hasn’t been enough to erase some NFL insiders’ doubts about the wide receiver’s three prior campaigns with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote Wednesday that “multiple league executives believe the inconsistency will be a factor to consider in free agency” when Pickens’ contract expires following the 2025 season.

Fowler also noted, however, that there are a “number of teams starved for receiver help,” and that Pickens is a talented receiver who has proven he can succeed with a good quarterback.

Pickens racked up 1,140 receiving yards and led the NFL with 18.1 yards per catch while playing for the Steelers in 2023, but saw his production dip slightly in 2024 as coach Mike Tomlin publicly criticized him for his lack of discipline.

The Cowboys traded a 2026 third-rounder in order to acquire Pickens from the Steelers last May. He has since slotted in to the offense as a counterpart to CeeDee Lamb, recording 49 catches for 764 receiving yards and six touchdowns.

Should Pickens remain healthy and continue playing at the same pace, he could finish the 2025 season having recorded a new career high of more than 1,400 receiving yards.

That could make Pickens one of the most highly-sought after free agents in the NFL should he test the market when his rookie contract expires this spring.

There’s a chance Pickens never makes it to free agency, however. Fowler noted that keeping Pickens in Dallas with a franchise tag worth around $29 million “could be a backup option” should the Cowboys prioritize bringing him back alongside Lamb in 2026.

ESPN’s Dan Graziano wrote Wednesday that he feels “there’s a strong likelihood that the Cowboys franchise Pickens, assuming they remain as happy with him by the end of the season as they’ve been so far.”

Pickens told reporters on Oct. 30 he hadn’t yet discussed a potential with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, although Jones said earlier that month the Cowboys planned to “look carefully at what we do here with George.” If the wide receiver continues succeeding as a top target for Dak Prescott, Jones may ultimately consider whether a franchise tag could be worth keeping Pickens off the market.