Overview
- Pickens signed the Cowboys’ non-exclusive franchise tag for roughly $27.3 million for 2026, a fully guaranteed one-year deal that allows other teams to submit offer sheets but would demand heavy draft compensation.
- The organization has publicly refused to negotiate an extension this offseason and NFL insiders have described the odds of an immediate long-term deal as close to zero while some analysts still expect him to play in Dallas in 2026.
- After signing the tag Pickens missed voluntary workouts but is expected to attend the mandatory minicamp that begins June 16, when absences can trigger fines and on‑site scrutiny.
- Cowboys executives point to specific past conduct as the reason for caution, citing a 2019 college ejection for throwing punches, NFL on-field altercations with fines, and reported lateness and disciplinary issues in Pittsburgh and Dallas.
- Keeping Pickens on the tag preserves Dallas’ roster and cap flexibility around Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, maintains trade leverage including a possible tag‑and‑trade, and leaves the door open to apply a second franchise tag in 2027 at an estimated $31–33 million.