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Cowboys Keep George Pickens on One‑Year Franchise Tag as He Skips Voluntary OTAs

Preserving short-term control could leave Dallas facing a much larger long-term price for Pickens when the July 15 negotiation window closes.

Overview

  • The Cowboys placed a non-exclusive one-year franchise tag on George Pickens and he signed the $27.2–$27.3 million tender rather than reach a long-term deal.
  • Pickens did not attend voluntary OTAs this week and team officials said Thursday that he is hosting a personal football camp and that communication with him has been good.
  • Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said he expects Pickens to be at the mandatory minicamp that runs June 16–18 and reminded reporters that the voluntary sessions do not trigger fines.
  • Dallas has publicly refused to negotiate an offseason extension for Pickens and faces a July 15 rule deadline after which tagged players cannot sign multiyear contracts with their club.
  • Pickens’ breakout 2025 season and recent high-dollar receiver deals in the league mean his long-term market value is climbing and could force Dallas to pay more or consider other roster moves next year.