PHOENIX – The Dallas Cowboys placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens over a month ago, following a Pro Bowl season with the team in 2025. As negotiations continue, the Cowboys are maintaining a tight-lipped approach, but signals suggest a long-term commitment to the young receiver is the ultimate goal.
During the NFL Owners Meetings on Monday, Cowboys COO and co-owner Stephen Jones declined to comment on the status of contract talks with Pickens. “We’re just not gonna comment as we move forward on negotiations on where that stands or anything like that,” Jones stated, echoing a strategy of limited public disclosure. This approach isn’t new for the Cowboys, who have previously used the franchise tag with players like Dak Prescott, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Dez Bryant.
The franchise tag for Pickens in 2026 is valued at $27.29 million should he sign it, a significant financial commitment. While the tag provides a short-term solution, both the team and the player understand the benefits of a long-term deal. Jones acknowledged the player’s perspective, stating, “I respect that everybody would like to have a long-term deal. Obviously, teams around the league use it. Players around the league have played under a tag. It’s a lot of money.”
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer also addressed Pickens’ situation, revealing he’d spoken with the receiver but hadn’t sought or received any assurances regarding his participation in voluntary team workouts. “No, and 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.” This hands-off approach reflects a willingness to allow the negotiation process to unfold naturally.
The use of the franchise tag, while sometimes contentious, isn’t uncommon in the NFL. It allows teams to retain key players while working towards a long-term contract. For players, a long-term deal offers financial security that the one-year tag doesn’t provide. The Cowboys, although, have a history of ultimately signing tagged players to extensions, as seen with Prescott, Lawrence, and Bryant.
Schottenheimer expressed confidence in Pickens’ future with the Cowboys, stating, “GP loves being here. We love GP. We have plans for GP to be here for a long time, so we’ll let the business side play out and see where it goes.” This sentiment suggests the Cowboys view Pickens as a cornerstone of their offense for years to come.
Beyond the contract negotiations, the Cowboys are already planning how to utilize Pickens in the upcoming season. Schottenheimer indicated they intend to continue moving him around the field, a strategy Pickens reportedly enjoyed while CeeDee Lamb was sidelined with an injury last season. This versatility is a key component of Pickens’ value to the team.
Schottenheimer highlighted Pickens’ commitment to improving his chemistry with quarterback Dak Prescott. “He’s excited about that. He’s really looking forward to it. And that’s where, again, the fact that he’s working and training with Dak and with some of the other guys, to me, is more crucial than anything, because you’ve got to develop that chemistry between you and me,” Schottenheimer explained. Pickens has been working out with Lamb during the offseason and also training with Prescott, a development the coach believes will significantly benefit the offense. The established rapport between Prescott and Lamb, combined with Pickens’ efforts to build a similar connection, could prove to be a potent combination.
The Cowboys’ handling of the Pickens situation mirrors past approaches with key players, suggesting a willingness to navigate complex contract negotiations to retain talent. While the franchise tag provides a temporary solution, the team’s stated intention is to reach a long-term agreement that keeps Pickens in Dallas for the foreseeable future. The coming weeks will be crucial as both sides operate towards a resolution.
The Cowboys’ offseason program is set to start in the coming weeks, and Pickens’ participation remains uncertain until a contract agreement is reached. However, the team’s public statements and Schottenheimer’s emphasis on Pickens’ dedication to building chemistry with Prescott suggest a positive outlook for a long-term partnership. The situation bears watching as the Cowboys aim to solidify their receiving corps and contend for another deep playoff run.
The next key date for the Cowboys and George Pickens will be the start of the team’s offseason program. Whether Pickens will be present remains to be seen, but the ongoing negotiations will undoubtedly be a focal point for fans and analysts alike. Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates as this story develops.
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