The Dallas Cowboys aren’t letting George Pickens test the market, but they’re still at risk of losing the star wide receiver.
At the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Monday, Cowboys COO and co-owner Stephen Jones said the Cowboys still plan to place the franchise tag on Pickens (a one-year, guaranteed contract) before the deadline on March 3 at 4 p.m. ET. Per Over the Cap, WRs who sign the franchise tag are set to make $28.82M in 2026. He didn’t say when but indicated that the move should come in the next week.
“We think the world of him. We want him here,” Jones said, per NFL Media’s Judy Battista.
Re-signing Pickens is wise for the Cowboys. The WR is considered one of the more coveted free agents this offseason after ranking eighth in the NFL in receptions (93) and third in receiving yards (1,429) and tying for eighth in touchdown catches (nine) this past season. For his efforts, he was named a second-team All-Pro and a Pro Bowler.
However, that doesn’t mean the Pickens situation is settled.
What’s next for George Pickens, Cowboys if he’s franchise tagged?
In a story published Sunday, Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News reported “there’s a strong possibility” Pickens won’t report to the team’s offseason programs as he and his agents continue to negotiate. The Cowboys seem prepared for that scenario.
“We always want guys here,” Jones said, per Watkins. “We’ve franchised players before, obviously, we want him here working with the team. It will work itself out in the coming weeks.”
A multiyear deal isn’t off the table, but both sides may bicker over Pickens’ reported asking price. His camp reportedly wanted a deal worth $30M per year if he dominated during the 2025 season. Following his stellar year, he could ask for even more.
The Cowboys may not want to shell out top dollar to another wideout. They’re already paying WR CeeDee Lamb $34M annually, making him the third-highest-paid WR in the NFL.
Plus, Dallas may want to have enough cap space to address defensive holes during free agency, which starts on March 11 at 4 p.m. ET. The Cowboys allowed the most points in the league (30.1 points per game) in 2025.
If Pickens’ camp and the Cowboys can’t reach an agreement, don’t rule out a trade. Plenty of needy teams (Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills) would be interested in the WR, who turns 25 on March 4.
The Cowboys have a clear plan for Pickens, but it doesn’t answer all questions about his future with the team.