George Pickens has ended the drama over his future with the Dallas Cowboys by finally signing his franchise tag just hours before the NFL Draft.
The superstar wide receiver had been angling for a big-money new contract but was franchise tagged by the team after the conclusion of his impressive 2025 season.
Earlier this week, co-owner Stephen Jones had confirmed that the team had no plans to negotiate a long-term contract this summer, leading to speculation over when – or even if – Pickens would return to the team.
But that has quickly been put to bed, after Pickens today accepted the terms of the tag and signed his one year, fully guaranteed $27.3m deal.
That kicks the can down the road a year before Pickens is able to seal his payday, with Dallas keen for him to prove his credentials for a second season in a row.
Pickens put up career-best numbers with the Cowboys last season, after being traded to Dallas from Pittsburgh this time last year.
George Pickens is signing his franchise tag and will pause his attempts for a big-money deal
Pickens had been angling for a huge new contract after a breakout season with the Cowboys
The now-resolved stalemate had come days after the Cowboys made Brandon Aubrey the highest-paid kicker in NFL history with a four-year, $28million deal.
Last season, Pickens was the third-best receiver in football – hauling in 93 catches for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns.
He formed a strong partnership with fellow pass catcher CeeDee Lamb, but wasn’t able to help the Cowboys get to the playoffs.
At just 25, he is set to demand a huge contract next summer if he is able to put up similar numbers in the 2026 season.
