George Pickens may well have been the top free agent in the NFL had he reached the open market next month. As expected, though, that will not take place. 
Pickens has long loomed as a franchise tag candidate, and the Cowboys have a history of tagging players to prevent free agent departures. Dallas, to no surprise, will go down that route once again in 2026. Executive vice president Stephen Jones confirmed on Monday (via NFL Network’s Judy Battista) Pickens will be tagged shortly.
“We always want guys here,” Jones added (via Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News). “We’ve franchised players before, obviously we want him here working with the team. It will work itself out in the coming weeks.”
The franchise tag for receivers is projected to cost $28.82MM in 2026, making it the most expensive one-year tender at any position other than quarterback. The Cowboys already have massive deals on the books in the form of Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, and their offense recently added another increased cost. Running back Javonte Williams secured a raise with his newest Dallas contract, one which should nevertheless leave room for Pickens to be retained.
Acquired via trade last offseason, Pickens elected not to immediately pursue an extension upon arrival. That decision proved to be worthwhile, as the former Steeler set new career highs across the board. Pickens was among the league’s most productive wideouts, racking up 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns on 93 receptions. A premium deep threat, Pickens will only be 25 at the start of the 2026 season. Expectations will thus be high for continued high-end showings on the tag or a long-term Cowboys pact.
Dallas is currently among the teams slated to be over the cap next season. All franchise tags are guaranteed in full, and the one-year cap charge matches their value. That makes a tag more challenging to absorb than a multi-year agreement, even when one is worth a similar (or slightly higher) amount on an annual basis. Pickens has been connected to an asking price of $30MM per year on a new deal, although team and player are not very deep into the negotiating process at this point.
Questions have been raised about whether or not Pickens will report to offseason workouts in the event he is tagged without a subsequent extension agreement. Beyond voluntary work, attendance during mandatory minicamp and training camp during the summer could become a storyline as well depending on how things play out. Dallas’ preference, based on Jones’ comments, remains a pact stretching well beyond 2026. For now, the team will look to buy time by using the tag in advance of next week’s deadline.
Another one that makes sense. It’s understandable to be leery of giving him a huge contract given some of his character concerns, but you certainly can’t let him just walk out the door after that season. If they do lock him up after tagging him, I wouldn’t be surprised to see it look something like the Jameson Williams contract. High 20s per year, only 3 years total.
Why in the world would you agree to that if you’re Pickens? Top 9 WRs are 30 aav, 4-5 years. Franchise tag is 28 only million and 1 year. Pickens is going to be PISSED
I have faith that Jerry will mess it up!
guess we’ll see how happy he is after seattle resigns JSN for $40+ per .. highly doubt pickens signs any long term that pays him less then top 5
Easy decision
Jones more focused on building fantasy teams instead of playoff teams.
Most predictable move of the off-season.
So what should have they focused on instead? Why exactly wouldn’t you lock up your offensive players from last year’s team while fixing your defense? Should they have just let him go for nothing?