Pickens will play on franchise tag, won't get long-term deal

The Dallas Cowboys informed star receiver George Pickens that he'll play under the franchise tag next season, with no plans to negotiate a contract extension this offseason.

"We've made the decision that George Pickens will play under the franchise tag. There won't be any long-term negotiations," Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones said Wednesday, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Nick Harris.

The Cowboys placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Pickens in February, which carries a value of $27.3 million, according to Over the Cap.

Dallas' announcement regarding Pickens arrives well ahead of the July 15 deadline for the team to negotiate a long-term deal with the 25-year-old.

Pickens hasn't signed his one-year tender and wouldn't be subject to fines for missing the mandatory portion of the Cowboys' offseason workouts. However, he'd forfeit game checks totaling $1.5 million each week if he chose to hold out during the regular season, according to CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones.

The Cowboys brass reportedly met with Pickens' representation at the NFL Scouting Combine in February but didn't have any in-depth conversations about a possible extension.

In March, team owner and general manager Jerry Jones said the club had "long-term plans in mind" for the Pro Bowler, per ESPN's Todd Archer.

Pickens posted career-high marks with 93 catches, 1,429 yards, and nine touchdowns after being acquired by the Cowboys in a trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers prior to the 2025 season.