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Pittsburgh Steelers WR George Pickens in a game against the Washington Commander on Nov. 10, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
After a breakout year with the Dallas Cowboys, former Pittsburgh Steelers receiver George Pickens is expected to be franchise tagged by Jerry Jones, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Saturday night.
Pickens posted career highs with 93 receptions, 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdown catches during his first go-round with Dak Prescott and the Cowboys. He was named a second-team Associated Press All-Pro for his efforts.
Pickens was asked earlier this week about how he’d feel about being franchise tagged.
The Dallas Cowboys are expected to place their franchise tag on Pro Bowl wide receiver George Pickens, league sources told ESPN.https://t.co/JnfL2KFjmg
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 8, 2026
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens at practice on Dec. 17, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
“I’m not really sure,” Pickens said. “It would be my first time. I wouldn’t really know how to react. I would want to just be with the guys. … All I can say is I hope for the best. I can’t really control the uncontrollables.”
A franchise tag deal would pay him nearly $29 million for one season, but provide no added security after that, something that Pickens probably won’t like. Pickens could fight it by sitting out and demanding a more lucrative contract.
Pickens enjoyed his first season in Dallas alongside fellow wideout CeeDee Lamb, something Jones might be banking on with the decision.
“They did right by me,” Pickens said in November of the Steelers trading him to the Cowboys. “They sent me to the perfect spot in Dallas. What more do you want me to say? There’s no drama, bro. No headlines to write. They’re doing things their way up there, and I’m down here in Dallas with CeeDee (Lamb) and Dak (Prescott) doing what I do best. Everybody wins.
“I swear, there’s a higher power guiding all of this. I was meant to get this fresh start in Dallas. It felt like coming home — in a real way.”
Mentioned In This Article: Dallas Cowboys George Pickens Jerry Jones Pittsburgh Steelers Steelers