Cowboys officials, from owner Jerry Jones to his son, co-owner Stephen Jones, and coach Brian Schottenheimer, said numerous things about the state of the team during the NFL’s annual meetings in Phoenix. After the two-day event, we tell you what was learned:
George Pickens’ future is now
Wide receiver George Pickens is seeking a long-term contract. Club officials expressed a desire to achieve this, but actions are saying something different.
The club hasn’t started any substantial contract talks with Pickens’ agent. The only accomplishment is the $27.29 million non-exclusive franchise tag placed on Pickens. Team owner Jerry Jones said the club is content with the receiver playing on the franchise tag for the 2026 season. But why even say you want Pickens here long-term without starting any real contract talks?
“Well, I don’t and won’t get into our planning and structure of our team and our cap but the franchise tag is an integral part of all teams, but certainly an integral part of our strategy over the next two or three years as we look at how to keep the best players we can have relative to the cap,” Jones said.
Based on that comment, the Cowboys are willing to franchise Pickens again next year. If a player is franchised a second consecutive year, that salary is 120% of their previous year’s salary. If a player gets franchised a third time, a club has three options: The salary jumps to 144% of their second-tag salary, the player gets the quarterback tag or a 120% salary increase of the top five salaries at his position.
It seems doubtful the Cowboys would franchise Pickens three consecutive years. If anything, they’re setting up for a bitter fight with him this summer if he refuses to sign the tag or reach an agreement for a contract extension by the July 15 deadline. Pickens is working out with quarterback Dak Prescott, but will he show up for the mandatory minicamp or training camp? That’s uncertain and something the club can’t answer right now.