Cowboys lock in George Pickens with $27.3M franchise tag despite failing to reach long-term contract
Cowboys Tag Pickens for $27.3M in 2026
The Dallas Cowboys announced wide receiver George Pickens signed his franchise tag for the 2026 season. The one-year deal guarantees Pickens $27.3 million after his breakout performance with the team in 2025. Dallas and Pickens failed to agree on a long-term contract before applying the tag.
The Cowboys acquired the 25-year-old Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers last offseason. Team CEO Stephen Jones stated Dallas has no plans to trade him. Owner Jerry Jones had indicated long-term intentions for the Pro Bowl receiver at the NFL annual meeting.
In 17 games during 2025, Pickens earned second-team All-Pro honors with 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns from quarterback Dak Prescott. He complemented receivers CeeDee Lamb and Ryan Flournoy, plus tight end Jake Ferguson, in a potent passing attack. Dallas missed the playoffs in head coach Brian Schottenheimer's debut season.
Lamb signed a four-year, $136 million extension, ranking him fourth among NFL receivers. Seattle Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba holds the top spot after a $168.8 million deal. The tag positions Pickens as the 15th highest-paid receiver entering 2026. Dallas will not pursue long-term talks with tagged players until after the July 15 deadline.
