George Pickens to Sign the Franchise Tag

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens is expected to sign the franchise tag in the coming days, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Because Pickens technically is not under contract with the Cowboys, he wouldn't be fined for missing any mandatory workouts this offseason. Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said earlier this week that the two sides won't work out a long-term contract extension, even though they still have until July 15 to get something done. Once the 25-year-old wideout signs the franchise tag, Dallas could look to trade Pickens, despite talk earlier this offseason that they want him around long term. The former second-rounder by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022 out of Georgia had a career year in 2025 in his first season with Dallas, catching 93 passes for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns as the team's leading receiver. The Cowboys might want to see a repeat from Pickens in 2026 before giving him a long-term deal, especially since they already have CeeDee Lamb. After his big season last year, Pickens will go as a WR1 in fantasy drafts this fall.

Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter