INDIANAPOLIS — Cowboys co-owner Stephen Jones told The Dallas Morning News on Sunday the club wants wide receiver George Pickens for the offseason program if he’s under the franchise tag.
The Cowboys are expected to place the franchise tag on Pickens before the March 3 deadline, but both sides have mutual interest in the star receiver returning.
“We always want guys here,” Jones said. “We’ve franchised players before, obviously we want him here working with the team. It will work itself out in the coming weeks.”
If Pickens gets franchised, there’s a strong possibility he will not report to the offseason programs as the team engages in contract talks with his agents.
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Last year, edge rusher Micah Parsons did show up for offseason programs while in contract talks with club officials. Parsons also reported to training camp on time, but conducted a hold-in and was eventually traded.
In 2025, Pickens earned his first Pro Bowl berth and was named second-team All-Pro by setting career-highs in catches (93), yards (1,429) and touchdowns (nine). If the Cowboys place the franchise tag on Pickens, it’s projected at $28 million. Team officials plan on speaking with Pickens’ agents at the NFL scouting combine this week.
After the Cowboys acquired Pickens, his representatives were hopeful for a contract averaging $30 million if he produced. After producing, Pickens looks poised to join his teammate, CeeDee Lamb, in getting one of the largest contracts at his position.
Lamb, at $136 million, has the third-largest contract at his position behind Ja’Marr Chase ($161 million) and Justin Jefferson ($140 million). Chase has the highest average salary at $40 million. What could also play a factor in Pickens’ contract is Seattle’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The Rockwall native told Ch. 8 (WFAA-TV) he wants to be the highest-paid receiver in the NFL. Smith-Njigba led the NFL with 1,793 receiving yards for the Super Bowl champion Seahawks.
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