The Dallas Cowboys put pending free agent George Pickens on the franchise tag, with the idea that they would give Pickens a long-term deal soon. However, according to Albert Breer, the Cowboys will probably wait until after the 2026 regular season to give Pickens a long-term deal.
“I’d say there’s a good chance those guys will wind up playing on the tag in 2026, rather than on new long-term deals,” wrote Breer, “While their circumstances aren’t identical, the idea is mostly the same. With both players, it would be understandable if the team wanted to see another year of evidence that what happened in 2025 was sustainable.”
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Pickens broke out for the Cowboys last season. After averaging around 58 receptions for 947 yards and four touchdowns in four years with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pickens exploded for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns on 93 receptions.
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The eye test shows it too. Pickens was always one of the most entertaining wide receivers to watch for the Steelers, with game-breaking catches now and then.
However, Breer also points out the aspect of work ethic with the Cowboys. “Do you trust that, once he’s paid, he’ll continue to grow, and continue to work, and continue to be the right kind of guy in the locker room, when problems in those areas led to the Steelers giving up on him,” wrote Breer.
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The Cowboys had similar thoughts with star edge rusher Micah Parsons. They were unable to give him a long-term extension, though, trading him to the Green Bay Packers for a good return. There have been no offers or interest in Pickens, according to Tony Pauline of EssentiallySports.com. Pickens will earn $27.3 million on the franchise tag next year.
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