The NFL franchise tag deadline has come and is almost gone. Several players have already been tagged and will have until July to negotiate a deal.
The Dallas Cowboys made the call to tag one of their prized acquisitions of 2025: wide receiver George Pickens. Pickens was traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick last summer.
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Since joining the Cowboys, Pickens has flashed every bit of talent he has. He is proving to truly be one of the NFL’s best receivers.
Dec 4, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) during the first half against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
The Cowboys placed a franchise tag on him and are expected to try to work out a long-term deal. However, reports have surfaced that Pickens will hold out–unless a deal is reached.
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The two sides have until July to come to a deal. If they don’t reach an agreement by that July deadline, he will be forced to play on the $27M franchise tag.
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If they don’t come to an agreement, Pickens is expected to hold out through the offseason. That may even go into training camp and preseason.
Dec 25, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) celebrates after a play against the Washington Commanders during the first half at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
Pickens doesn’t have to report until he signs the franchise tag. He can do so at any point, but don’t expect him to report until a long-term deal is reached.
There is also the idea that he could be traded to another team if the Cowboys are compensated well. However, Jerry Jones has made it clear they want to keep Pickens–something that got Pickens excited, per reports.
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