FRISCO, Texas – One of the largest storylines surrounding the Cowboys' offseason in 2026 has been wide receiver George Pickens, who had the non-exclusive franchise tag placed on him back in late February.
The tag presents several options for both sides. If Pickens were to sign it, he would receive $27.29 million guaranteed. Pickens and the Cowboys also have until July 15 to come to terms on a long-term agreement. Lastly, the Cowboys still have the option to trade Pickens if the right offer comes across the table. Have there been offers coming in?
"You hate to get into things like that, but no, we've had no one call with interest in George Pickens." Cowboys COO/co-owner Stephen Jones said on 105.3 The Fan Tuesday.
At the NFL Owners Meetings in Phoenix, Arizona at the end of May, Cowboys owner/GM Jerry Jones said that the club has “long term plans” for Pickens in Dallas, but that there have been no new talks about an extension with Pickens or his representation.
"The franchise tag has an automatic timeframe on it and all of us will – and it's my plan and our thought – that we'll all be working within the timeframe of the conditions of the franchise tag. It should play itself out is the best way for me to say it. Make no mistake about it, we have long-term plans in mind for Pickens."
The next step in the process will be the Cowboys' voluntary offseason program, which begins on April 20. Unless Pickens signs his tag, he will not be able to participate in workouts with the team.
Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said in Phoenix that he had no assurances Pickens would be in attendance but also wasn't looking to force the subject on the Pro Bowl wide receiver.
"I haven't pushed that on him," Schottenheimer said. "We're all going through the process. It's almost April, we're still a couple weeks away. It's going to play out the way it plays out. Again, it's all voluntary, so we'll see where it goes."
With the non-exclusive franchise tag, teams are permitted to submit offer sheets to Pickens, and if he elects to sign the sheet, the Cowboys have the right to match the offer. If Dallas elects to not match, the team signing Pickens will owe the Cowboys two first-round picks.
A trade for Pickens will continue to remain an option for the Cowboys, but as things currently stand, Pickens is set to play on the franchise tag in 2026.
