Not negotiating long-term deal
Cowboys COO Stephen Jones said Wednesday that Pickens will play out 2026 under the franchise tag, with no negotiations toward a long-term deal, Jonathan Jones of CBSSports.com reports.
It's unusual for a team to make this kind of announcement, especially with nearly three months remaining before the July 15 deadline for franchise-tagged players to negotiate contracts. Pickens hasn't signed his tag and thus can't be fined for missing team activities. The tag is worth $27.3 million, which means he'll miss out on around $1.52 million per week if he declines to sign before the start of the regular season. Pickens hasn't made public comments on the situation, but it's probably safe to say he isn't thrilled.
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George Pickens
Signs franchise tag
Pickens has officially signed his franchise tag with the Cowboys, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling
Inks one-year deal with Dallas
The Cowboys signed Valdes-Scantling to a one-year contract Monday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
Javonte Williams
Backfield untouched by NFL Draft
The Cowboys did not add to the running back position in the 2026 NFL Draft, leaving Williams (shoulder) positioned to reprise a bell-cow role, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.
Anthony Smith
Links up with Cowboys
The Cowboys selected Smith in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 218th overall.
Jaishawn Barham
Heading to Dallas
The Cowboys selected Barham in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 92nd overall.
Malachi Lawrence
Picked by Cowboys
The Cowboys selected Lawrence in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 23rd overall.
Caleb Downs
Picked by Cowboys
The Cowboys selected Downs in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 11th overall.
George Pickens
Signing franchise tag
Pickens will sign his franchise tag in the coming days, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
George Pickens
Team optimistic he'll sign tag
The Cowboys aren't sure if Pickens will participate in the offseason program after they ended negotiations on a long-term contract, but the team is optimistic he'll sign his franchise tag before Week 1, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.
Brandon Aubrey
Becomes highest-paid kicker
Aubrey agreed to terms Monday on a four-year, $28 million contract extension with the Cowboys that includes $20 million guaranteed, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.