Dallas Cowboys place franchise tag on George Pickens: $28.8M move signals massive long-term deal ahead
Cowboys tag George Pickens at $28.8M for 2026. Image Credit: Getty
The Dallas Cowboys have officially placed the franchise tag on George Pickens, securing one of the NFL’s most explosive wide receivers ahead of the 2026 season. The move guarantees Pickens a projected $28.8 million salary for the upcoming year while buying Dallas critical time to negotiate a long-term extension.
After a breakout 2025 campaign, Pickens’ price tag soared, and the Cowboys made it clear they were not willing to let their top playmaker test free agency.
What the Franchise Tag Means for George Pickens
The Cowboys used the non-exclusive franchise tag, a designation that allows Pickens to negotiate with other teams. However, Dallas retains the right to match any offer sheet. If the Cowboys decline to match, they would receive two first-round draft picks as compensation.
The franchise tag for wide receivers in 2026 is projected at $28.8 million, according to salary cap projections. That figure becomes fully guaranteed once the player signs the tender.
The two sides now have until July 15, 2026, to agree on a multi-year contract. If no deal is reached, Pickens will play the season on the one-year franchise tender.
Until he signs the tag, Pickens technically remains unsigned and cannot be fined for skipping mandatory offseason activities.
George Pickens’ Breakout Season in Dallas
The decision to tag Pickens comes after a dominant 2025 season. The 25-year-old posted career highs with:
- 93 receptions
- 1,429 receiving yards
- 9 touchdowns
Acquired in a trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025, Pickens quickly flourished in Dallas’ offensive system. His chemistry with quarterback Dak Prescott transformed the Cowboys into one of the league’s most dangerous passing attacks.
Paired alongside All-Pro receiver CeeDee Lamb, who is entering the second year of his $136 million contract, Pickens formed one of the NFL’s most formidable wide receiver duos.
While the Cowboys finished 7-9-1 and missed the playoffs for a second consecutive year, the offense was far from the problem.
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Cowboys’ Salary Cap Challenge
The franchise tag ensures Pickens stays in Dallas, but it also presents financial challenges. The Cowboys are currently navigating salary cap constraints, and a long-term deal could help lower Pickens’ 2026 cap hit by spreading money across multiple seasons.
Eight NFL wide receivers now earn more than $30 million annually. Lamb averages $34 million per year, setting the market benchmark. Given Pickens’ production and age, he is widely expected to seek a comparable deal.
Executive Vice President Stephen Jones previously indicated the organization was “leaning toward” using the tag, a signal the front office views Pickens as a cornerstone player.
Could the Cowboys Trade George Pickens?
While unlikely, trading Pickens remains a technical possibility. If he signs the franchise tender, Dallas could explore trade options. However, given his production and importance to the offense, such a move would be surprising.
The franchise tag provides leverage for both sides, protection for the team and negotiating power for the player.
What Is a Franchise Tag in the NFL?
The franchise tag is a mechanism NFL teams use to retain a pending free agent for one year by offering a salary based on the average of the top five salaries at the player’s position.
There are two main types:
- Non-exclusive tag (used on Pickens): Player can negotiate elsewhere; team can match offers.
- Exclusive tag: Player cannot negotiate with other teams.
Teams must apply the tag before the league’s designated deadline each offseason.
In Pickens’ case, the tag prevents him from hitting unrestricted free agency while allowing Dallas time to negotiate a long-term contract extension.
What’s Next for George Pickens and the Cowboys?
With the franchise tag secured, attention now shifts to contract negotiations. The Cowboys have until mid-July to finalize a multi-year deal.
For Pickens, the move reflects both validation and leverage. At just 25 years old and coming off a career-best season, he has positioned himself among the league’s elite receivers.
For Dallas, the message is clear: George Pickens is central to their championship aspirations in 2026 and beyond.
FAQ
Why did the Cowboys place the franchise tag on George Pickens?
The Cowboys used the franchise tag to prevent Pickens from becoming an unrestricted free agent while negotiating a long-term contract. It guarantees he remains with Dallas for at least the 2026 season.
How much is George Pickens’ franchise tag worth?
The projected non-exclusive franchise tag for wide receivers in 2026 is $28.8 million, fully guaranteed once signed.
Can George Pickens negotiate with other teams?
Yes. Because Dallas used the non-exclusive tag, Pickens can negotiate with other NFL teams. However, the Cowboys can match any offer. If they decline, they would receive two first-round draft picks as compensation.
What happens if George Pickens doesn’t sign a long-term deal?
If no extension is agreed upon by July 15, 2026, Pickens will play the season on the one-year franchise tag.
Can the Cowboys trade George Pickens?
Yes, but only after he signs the franchise tender. Trading him while tagged would require his signature first.
What is a franchise tag in simple terms?
A franchise tag is a one-year contract option that allows an NFL team to retain a key free agent by paying them a salary based on the top players at their position.
How does this impact CeeDee Lamb?
Lamb remains under contract through his four-year, $136 million deal. Keeping Pickens ensures Dallas maintains one of the NFL’s most dynamic receiving duos.
Is George Pickens now one of the highest-paid wide receivers?
On the franchise tag, he will be among the highest-paid receivers for 2026. A long-term extension could push his annual average salary above $30 million per year.