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The Dallas Cowboys announced that George Pickens signed his franchise tag for the 2026 season.
Pickens is now guaranteed $27.3 million this season following his big first year with the Cowboys in 2025.
Although the Cowboys and Pickens were unable to reach a long-term deal, Cowboys CEO Stephen Jones maintains that the team has no intention of trading the 25-year-old receiver next season.
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George Pickens of the Dallas Cowboys watches his team’s 33-16 victory against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Nov. 17, 2025. (Ian Maule/Getty Images)
A report surfaced last week before the NFL Draft indicating that Pickens intended to sign the tag, although it was not complete until the April 29 announcement.
It was widely thought that Dallas and Pickens would reach a long-term deal together, especially when team owner Jerry Jones stated at the NFL’s annual meeting that the Cowboys have “long-term plans” for the Pro Bowler, according to Yahoo Sports.
COWBOYS ANNOUNCE DECISION ON GEORGE PICKENS’ CONTRACT STATUS AS HE SEEKS MAJOR DEAL
While the franchise tag could be seen as a placeholder for a long-term deal to materialize at some point before the season, the Cowboys announced earlier this month that they would not negotiate long-term deals with franchise-tagged players before the July 15 deadline.
Pickens, probably realizing the Cowboys’ stance, opted for the $27.3 million guarantee.
The Cowboys’ move for Pickens last offseason in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers proved a success despite the team missing the playoffs in head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s first year at the helm.
George Pickens of the Dallas Cowboys stretches before an NFL game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan, on December 4, 2025. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)
Pickens was a second-team All-Pro, hauling in 93 receptions from quarterback Dak Prescott for 1,429 yards with nine touchdowns in 17 games.
It was clear that the Cowboys’ passing attack was one of the most lethal in the NFL, as Pickens worked alongside CeeDee Lamb, tight end Jake Ferguson and other standout weapons, including Ryan Flournoy, who had a breakout season.
Lamb was also paid last year, as the Cowboys accepted his request to be one of the highest-paid receivers in the NFL. Lamb signed a four-year contract worth $136 million, now making him the fourth-highest-paid catcher in the league.
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens celebrates a Thanksgiving victory by eating turkey after the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at AT&T Stadium on Nov. 27, 2025. (Kevin Jairaj/Image Images)
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Seattle Seahawks star Jaxon Smith-Njigba reset the record for the highest-paid receiver in NFL history with a $168.8 million deal with $120 million guaranteed following his Super Bowl-winning campaign in which the 24-year-old won Offensive Player of the Year.
The Cowboys know how good Pickens and Lamb are together, but shelling out money for two top-tier wide receivers isn’t the easiest thing in the books. With the franchise tag, Pickens is the 15th highest-paid receiver in the NFL entering the 2026 season.
