Dallas Cowboys executives indicate they’re likely to place the franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens rather than sign him to a long-term deal. The move would allow the team to retain Pickens while preserving salary cap space to strengthen their struggling defense.
The Dallas Cowboys are expected to use the franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens as their preferred strategy to retain the talented pass-catcher while maintaining financial flexibility to bolster their defensive roster.
Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones outlined this approach during Monday’s discussions at the NFL Scouting Combine, where league personnel conduct business throughout the week.
“We want Pickens here. We think the world of him,” Jones stated. “Want him here. Love him, and I think he wants to be here. So all that’s a plus.”
Should Dallas apply the franchise tag to Pickens, the organization would face a one-year commitment of approximately $28 million, though both parties could still negotiate a multi-year deal before the July 15 deadline.
The 24-year-old receiver, who celebrates his 25th birthday on March 4, recorded 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns during the 2025 campaign.
Dallas has already secured running back Javonte Williams with a three-year, $24 million extension, preventing another key offensive weapon from entering free agency.
Following the dismissal of defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus after the 2025 season, the Cowboys brought in Christian Parker to rebuild their defensive unit. Jones emphasized that personnel improvements are essential to this reconstruction effort.
“We want to fix this defense,” Jones explained regarding the team’s spending priorities. “We feel really good about the offensive side of the ball now that we got Javonte done and we know that we’ll have George back. So, we feel really good about that side of the ball. Obviously we spent a lot of time on it already in the offseason, revamping the defensive coaching staff, and now we’ll take the next steps, which are to improve the personnel on that side of the ball.”
Pittsburgh originally drafted Pickens in the second round of 2022, where he spent his initial three NFL seasons. Throughout his 65-game career spanning 55 starts, Pickens has accumulated 267 catches, 21 touchdowns, and 4,270 receiving yards.