The Dallas Cowboys made their long-rumored move official, placing the franchise tag on Pro Bowl wide receiver George Pickens on March 3, 2026, guaranteeing him nearly $27 million for the 2026 season while the two sides continue working toward a long-term contract, sources told The Associated Press.
The Cowboys opted for the non-exclusive franchise tag, meaning Pickens can negotiate with other teams, but Dallas retains the right to match any offer sheet he signs. If they decline to match, the signing team would owe the Cowboys two first-round draft picks as compensation. Both sides spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the move has not been formally announced.
Dec 25, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) carries the ball as Washington Commanders cornerback Noah Igbinoghene (6) defends during the first half at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) carries the ball as Washington Commanders cornerback Noah Igbinoghene (6) defends during the first half at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
Dallas Cowboys Lock In George Pickens with Franchise Tag: Nearly $27 Million Guaranteed for 2026 Season
Executive vice president Stephen Jones told NFL Network’s Rich Eisen (via Jon Machota of The Athletic) that Pickens was “fired up” about staying in Dallas:
“He was fired up that he wasn’t going to be going anywhere. He was very fired up about his future with us. We felt like he wanted to be in Dallas. He certainly said that to Jerry. Jerry just said he was on cloud nine that he was gonna be a Cowboy again.”
George Pickens’ Breakout 2025 Season with the Cowboys
Acquired via trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers before the 2025 season, Pickens delivered a career year in his first season in Dallas:
Appeared in all 17 games
Career-high 93 receptions
Career-high 1,429 receiving yards (first 1,200+ yard season)
Career-high 9 touchdowns
Pickens quickly built strong chemistry with quarterback Dak Prescott and fellow WR CeeDee Lamb, emerging as one of the most explosive and reliable weapons in the NFL. His production solidified his status as a cornerstone piece of the Cowboys’ offense.
What’s Next for George Pickens and the Cowboys
Franchise Tag Deadline: March 3, 2026 — now locked in at ~$27 million for 2026.
Long-Term Extension Talks: The Cowboys and Pickens’ agents (Trevon Smith and David Mulugheta of Athletes First) are expected to continue negotiations in the coming months, with a mid-summer deadline to finalize a multi-year deal.
Cap Implications: The tag counts fully against Dallas’ 2026 cap (already tight), but a long-term extension could spread the cost and provide security for both sides.
While Pickens has expressed excitement about staying in Dallas, the non-exclusive tag keeps the door open for other teams to make offers. If Dallas doesn’t match a lucrative deal, they would receive significant draft compensation.
The Dallas Cowboys have secured one of their top offensive weapons for 2026, but the real prize is a long-term commitment that keeps Pickens in Dallas for years to come.
Cowboys fans: Relieved they tagged Pickens, or worried about a holdout if no extension is reached? How valuable is he to the offense in 2026? Drop your thoughts below!
Related Reading:
“A Woman Should Sleep With You After 3 Dates” Travis Kelce Sees Concerning “Relationship Advice” Quote Leak
“Locker Was Already Empty” Packers Cut 26-Year-Old RB, Fans Immediately Surprised (Report)
“We’ve Talked” Star Wide Receiver Says Patrick Mahomes Has Recruited Him To Chiefs For 2026 (Breaking)
“This Is Real” Chiefs Named In Surprise Quarterback Trade For Future (Breaking)
“He Actally Did It” Bills Hire 30-Year-Old Quarterback To Coaching Staff (Breaking News)
“He Was High On Drugs” Former Cowboys QB Sees Assault Allegations Take Disturbing Turn (Report)
For More Football Content:
To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in the world of Football – especially with all the trade rumors swirling around and free agency news – College Football, and more, click here.
To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in the world of Football – especially with all the trade rumors swirling around and free agency news – College Football, and more, click here.
To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in the world of Football – especially with all the trade rumors swirling around and free agency news – College Football, and more, click here.