Dallas Cowboys Executive Vice President Stephen Jones confirmed at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine that the team is prepared to have wide receiver George Pickens play under the franchise tag.
Jones stated that the front office can do everything they need to do with the projected salary cap hit of $28.82 million. He noted that once a player has the tag, the team knows they will be on the roster for the upcoming season.
“We can do everything we need to do,” he said regarding the tag. “Once you have the tag, you have the tag and we know George is going to be here.”
Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones didn’t explicitly say “we’re comfortable with Pickens playing on the tag” but this clip certainly alludes to that.
“We can do everything we need to do” with Pickens’ 2026 salary at ~$28M.
“Once you have the tag, you have the tag and we know George is… pic.twitter.com/rihumgrNk3
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) February 23, 2026
The Cowboys have until March 3, 2026, to officially apply the tag. If Pickens is tagged, both parties will have until July 15 to negotiate a multi-year extension.
While Pickens reportedly seeks a long-term deal worth $ 30 million per season, the team is comfortable using the tag as a placeholder to ensure he remains in Dallas.
Management indicated that the high one-year cost will not prevent them from making other roster moves because they have the flexibility to create significant cap space through various restructures.
Dec 25, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) attempts to catch a pass as Washington Commanders cornerback Jonathan Jones (31) defends during the second half at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) attempts to catch a pass as Washington Commanders cornerback Jonathan Jones (31) defends during the second half at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Pickens earned his first Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro selections in 2025. He recorded 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns during his first year with the franchise.
His performance established him as one of the most productive receivers in the league and a primary target in the Dallas offense.
Jerry Jones expressed confidence in the situation and noted that the relationship between the player and the organization remains strong despite the lack of a long-term agreement.
The team enters the new league year focused on retaining their top offensive weapon.
Jerry Jones vows to “bust the budget” to pair breakout star George Pickens
The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2026 offseason focused on rebuilding their defense under new coordinator Christian Parker, who was hired on January 22, 2026.
Owner Jerry Jones has signaled a more aggressive approach to free agency, using the slogan “bust the budget”. He indicates a willingness to spend more than in previous years to improve a unit that ranked 30th in yards allowed during the 2025 season.
The Cowboys are operating with the knowledge that their primary offensive catalysts, alongside Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, will remain under contract for 2026.
Javonte Williams: The running back, who rushed for a career-high 1,201 yards in 2025, has signed a three-year extension that keeps him in Dallas through 2028.
After a breakout 1,400-yard season, the Cowboys intend to keep Pickens by using the franchise tag while negotiating a long-term deal.
To fund defensive additions, the team is expected to restructure the contracts of Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, Osa Odighizuwa, and Tyler Smith.