Pro Football Talk released its list of the NFL's top free agents heading into the 2026 offseason. Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens tops the list.
ESPN thinks highly of Pickens, too.
"I wrote at length about the wide receiver market a few weeks ago and will refer back to the longer profiles I wrote there on many of these guys. Pickens was a first-team All-Pro for me in his debut season with the Cowboys, as the massive upgrade in quarterback and offensive scheme unlocked much of his untapped potential. Without the franchise tag, Pickens' play would attract offers in the $35 million range, making the tag an easy call for the Cowboys," Bill Barnwell shared.
Sep 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
It turns out that the Cowboys feel the same way.
The Cowboys have announced that they are planning on hitting Pickens with the Franchise Tag in the coming days.
Dallas announces offseason plan
The Cowboys, who recently signed running back Javonte Williams to a three year, $24 million contract, are planning on keeping Pickens, too.
"We think the world of him. We want him here," Stephen Jones said on Monday.
He added: "We always want guys here. We've franchised players before, obviously we want him here working with the team. It will work itself out in the coming weeks."
There's currently no timetable for getting a longterm extension done, but Pickens is rumored to want more than $30 million per year.
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