The Dallas Cowboys have made it clear they will not be negotiating a long-term extension with star receiver George Pickens, at least for now. The team has decided to have him play the 2026 season under the franchise tag, which will pay him $27.3 million fully guaranteed.
Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones cited financial flexibility and Pickens' relatively short tenure with the team as the reasons behind the decision. He emphasized that the team is 'fired up' to have Pickens on the team and expects him to have another big year.
Despite the contract pause, Pickens' participation in offseason activities remains uncertain until he signs the franchise tag tender. There have been no trade inquiries so far, and the Cowboys have not ruled out revisiting negotiations in the future, placing the onus on Pickens to deliver another elite season in 2026.
