Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith is no stranger to difficult contract negotiations with the Cowboys. He ran for 1,713 rushing yards in 1992. Negotiations over a new contract bled into the season, prompting Smith to hold out from the first two games. The Cowboys went 0-2 and then signed Smith to a four-year deal. Later that year, the Cowboys won the Super Bowl. 

Smith’s impact showed itself by him staying off the field. In his mind, current Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens — in a contract situation of his own — could show his value on the field. 

The Cowboys placed the franchise tag on Pickens after he set a career high in yards, catches and touchdowns in his first year with the Cowboys. The Pro Bowl receiver picked a great time to have one of the best receiving seasons in the league last year. Now, he wants to get paid accordingly. Because of the tag, however, Pickens has been limited to negotiations with the Cowboys. As of now, those negotiations haven’t taken off. 

The Cowboys and Pickens have until July 15 to negotiate a long-term extension. If they can’t, then Pickens can only play on a one-year deal with the Cowboys worth roughly $27.3 million. 

“Take the one-year deal,” Smith said.

He then said Pickens should be motivated to go out and do what he did this past season for an encore. 

Smith also had more advice for Pickens. 

“And I’m telling you George: you’re not going to go to too many places that’s going to be like Dallas, or Texas,” Smith said. “You can go to Florida somewhere: who down in Florida is going to throw you the football?”

Smith was referring to the ability of quarterback Dak Prescott. Pickens, Prescott and CeeDee Lamb were all Pro Bowl honorees a year ago. Clearly, the trio was successful. 

Prescott can also relate to Pickens’ situation. Prescott was franchise-tagged multiple times by the Cowboys. He’s also signed two major extensions in his 10-year career with the Cowboys. He played one season on the franchise tag without a long-term extension. 

“George loves football. That’s the one thing about it: ‘Don’t change your love for football. Don’t get into the business mind of this.’ He played last year on a one-year deal for not even that much. If he can go for $30 million, whatever it is now — that’s the same thing I got when I was franchised — hey, go do it,” Prescott said. “At the end of the day, bet on yourself.”

Smith believes Pickens should be motivated to do the same. He also had some additional advice on why playing in Dallas is best for Pickens.

“You’re better at The Star. Look at The Star, see the facilities that we have, look at what you have the opportunity to build here,” Smith said. “Come on. Think about life beyond the game.”