Reports: Cowboys Likely to Keep George Pickens on Franchise Tag for 2026

Overview

• Multiple outlets cite Albert Breer in reporting a strong chance Pickens plays 2026 on the one-year tender rather than signing a new deal.
• The Cowboys used the non-exclusive franchise tag on the receiver, valuing the tender at about $27.3 million for next season.
• No trade interest has surfaced to this point, though Tony Pauline notes a trade remains possible despite the tag.
• Team evaluators want to see if Pickens’ 2025 breakout — 93 catches, more than 1,400 yards and nine touchdowns — holds up and whether prior maturity concerns stay in check.
• CeeDee Lamb’s near top-of-market contract factors into Dallas’ caution about authorizing a similar long-term deal for another wideout.