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Cowboys Place Franchise Tag on Wide Receiver George Pickens, Rule Out 2026 Contract Talks

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Dallas Cowboys Place Franchise Tag on George Pickens

The Dallas Cowboys have placed the nonexclusive franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens, securing his services for the 2026 season at a fully guaranteed salary of $27.3 million. The team has informed Pickens and his agent that it will not negotiate a long-term contract extension with him in 2026. Pickens signed the franchise tag on April 2, 2026, and is expected to attend the team's offseason program.

"The Cowboys have stated they have 'zero intention' of trading Pickens, though the team retains the ability to do so at any time."

Franchise Tag and Contract Status

  • The Dallas Cowboys placed the nonexclusive franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens in March 2026.
  • The one-year tender guarantees Pickens $27.3 million for the 2026 season.
  • Pickens was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent but will be kept off the open market by the tag.
  • He signed the franchise tag on April 2, 2026.
  • Pickens is scheduled to become a free agent in 2027.
  • Executive vice president Stephen Jones stated the Cowboys have "zero intention" of trading Pickens.

Communication with Player and Agent

  • Owner Jerry Jones and executive vice president Stephen Jones spoke with Pickens' agent, David Mulugheta, on March 20, 2026.
  • The conversation was described by Jones as "professional and cordial" and lasted 5-10 minutes.
  • Mulugheta also represents defensive end Micah Parsons, whom the Cowboys traded before the 2025 season after failing to reach a long-term deal.
  • The Cowboys informed Mulugheta that they will not hold contract talks regarding Pickens in 2026.
  • Coach Brian Schottenheimer stated on April 1, 2026, that he expects Pickens to be present for the team's offseason program.

Team's Stated Rationale for No Extension

Stephen Jones cited financial constraints during a pre-draft press conference:

"It's not easy having two receivers being paid top of the market, especially when you have other great players on your team. A quarterback that's been here, being the highest-paid player in this league for many years now."

  • CeeDee Lamb's current contract has an average annual salary of $34 million, which ranks fourth among NFL wide receivers.
  • The Cowboys have identified needs on the defensive side of the ball.

Pickens' Performance and Player Statements

  • Pickens earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2025.
  • In the 2025 season, he recorded 93 receptions, 137 targets, 1,429 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns over 17 games.
  • These statistics represent career highs for the 25-year-old receiver.
  • Pickens began his NFL career with a three-year tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers, after which he was traded to the Cowboys for a third-round pick ahead of the 2025 season.

Pickens has stated he would like to stay with the Cowboys, acknowledging that the final decision regarding his contract is not within his control. Owner Jerry Jones and quarterback Dak Prescott have both publicly stated their desire for Pickens to remain with the team.

Draft Strategy Considerations

  • The Cowboys hold two first-round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft (12th and 20th overall).
  • Owner Jerry Jones has stated that the option to draft a wide receiver is "alive and well," citing the selection of CeeDee Lamb in 2020 despite a defensive need.
  • The team has hosted Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson and Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate for top-30 pre-draft visits.
  • Stephen Jones stated the team will not be opposed to selecting the best available player on their draft board.

In 2020, the Cowboys drafted CeeDee Lamb with the 17th overall pick. Lamb is considered better than any defensive player selected after that pick, with only Patrick Queen making a Pro Bowl from that draft group.