Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens achieved career-highs in catches, yards and touchdowns last season. File Photo by Mark Black/UPI | License Photo
The Dallas Cowboys placed the franchise tag on Pro Bowl wide receiver George Pickens, the team announced Friday.
Cowboys vice president Stephen Jones told reporters earlier this week at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis that the team was “leaning that direction” when asked about the move.
Under the terms of the franchise tag designation, Pickens is guaranteed to earn about $28 million in 2026. Pickens and the Cowboys can continue to work toward a long-term extension.
Under the terms of the non-exclusive designation, he will be free to speak to other teams at the start of free agency on March 11, the first day of the NFL’s new league year.
Pickens and the Cowboys have until July 15 to sign a long-term contract. He could choose to play on his one-year franchise tenure or hold out after that date.
On Thursday in Indianapolis, Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said “I hope,” when asked by reporters about Pickens remaining with the team on a long-term basis.
Pickens, who joined the Cowboys in a May trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers, achieved career-highs in catches (93), yards (1,429) and touchdowns (nine) is his first season with the NFC East franchise. He appeared in 17 games en route to his first Pro Bowl selection.
The second-round pick by the Steelers in the 2022 NFL Draft was to become a free agent this off-season.
Super Bowl LX: Seattle Seahawks defeat New England Patriots
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (L) embraces the Super Bowl MVP, running back Kenneth Walker III, after the Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots 29-13 to win Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on February 8, 2026. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
