The Dallas Cowboys have announced that wide receiver George Pickens has signed his franchise tag for the 2026 season, guaranteeing him $27.3 million.
Despite speculation about a long-term deal, team CEO Stephen Jones stated the organization has no intention of trading the 25-year-old. The decision comes after a standoff, with the Cowboys recently announcing they would not negotiate long-term contracts with franchise-tagged players before the July 15 deadline.
Pickens, acquired last offseason via trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers, immediately became a core weapon. He earned Second-Team All-Pro honors in 2025, recording 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns across 17 games.
He pairs with star receiver CeeDee Lamb, who recently signed a four-year, $136 million deal, making him the fourth highest-paid receiver in the NFL.
The franchise tag places Pickens as the 15th highest-paid receiver at the start of the 2026 season, a move that maintains the Cowboys' potent aerial attack without committing to a second top-market contract.