Cowboys Tag Pickens $28M
The Dallas Cowboys placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens, guaranteeing him at least $28 million for the 2026 season. The tag secures his rights while contract talks continue, but his long-term future remains uncertain. Other teams can still make offers under the non-exclusive tag structure.
The $28 million figure is a placeholder; the official 2026 non-exclusive franchise tag for wide receivers is valued at $27.298 million, a fully guaranteed one-year salary if he signs the tender. This is the first time the Cowboys have used the franchise tag since tagging running back Tony Pollard in 2023. The two sides have until July 15 to negotiate a long-term contract. If no agreement is reached, Pickens will play the 2026 season on the one-year tag. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has expressed confidence a long-term deal can be reached, a sentiment echoed by Executive Vice President Stephen Jones. Acquired from the Pittsburgh Steelers for a third-round pick, Pickens had a breakout 2025 season in Dallas. He set career highs with 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl selection. Because Pickens was given the non-exclusive tag, other teams can negotiate with him. If he signs an offer sheet with another team, the Cowboys have five days to match it. If they decline, they would receive two first-round draft picks as compensation. The last wide receiver to be in a similar situation was Tee Higgins, who was tagged by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2024 and again in 2025 before signing a four-year, $115 million deal. Other prominent receivers like Chris Godwin and Allen Robinson have also played on the tag in recent years before securing multi-year contracts. This move temporarily places Pickens among the highest-paid wide receivers in the league, alongside his teammate CeeDee Lamb, who signed a four-year, $136 million extension in 2024. Talks between the Cowboys and Pickens' representatives at the NFL Combine were described as "more general in nature than in depth." The Cowboys have a history of using the franchise tag to secure key players, having tagged tight end Dalton Schultz in 2022 and quarterback Dak Prescott in both 2020 and 2021 before he signed a long-term extension. According to Stephen Jones, Pickens was "on cloud nine" about remaining a Cowboy after being informed of the decision. Without a long-term deal, Pickens would not be subject to fines for missing voluntary offseason programs or even training camp, as he is not technically under contract until he signs the tender.
