The Dallas Cowboys were reportedly “nowhere” in contract negotiations with wide receiver George Pickens on Wednesday morning. They’re continuing to head in that direction.
After the report, Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones revealed they’re no longer working on a multiyear deal for Pickens and plan to have him play on the franchise tag (a one-year, $27.298M deal) this upcoming season.
Cowboys’ Stephen Jones discusses George Pickens decision
“We’ve made a decision that we’re going to have George Pickens [play under the franchise tag],” Jones said, via DLLS Cowboys. “So, there won’t be negotiations on a long-term deal.”
Jones doesn’t know whether this will determine whether Pickens participates in the team’s offseason program. Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer remains optimistic that the situation will resolve itself.
“We’re thrilled that George is here and we expect him to have another big year, like he did last year, and that’s not gonna change,” the coach said, per Patrik Walker of the team website.
The Cowboys’ refusal to negotiate with Pickens, however, should raise eyebrows. It puts them at risk of losing another star after trading defensive end Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers following a contract dispute last offseason.
Why George Pickens update may remind some of Micah Parsons situation
Pickens has yet to sign his franchise tender with the Cowboys. The deadline to sign franchise-tagged players is July 15 at 4 p.m. ET. Per CBS Sports, he’d miss out on roughly $1.52M per week if he doesn’t sign the weeks leading up to the regular season in September.
The update may convince the WR to request a trade. He would attract multiple suitors after a career year. 2022 second-round pick Pickens etched career highs in receptions (93), receiving yards (1,429) and touchdown catches (nine) last season, earning a second-team All-Pro nod.
The WR reportedly caused headaches during his first three seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite that, plenty of needy teams (Kansas City Chiefs) would still be willing to pay a pass-catcher of his talent.
Dallas may be banking on Pickens accepting the tag, as quarterback Dak Prescott did in 2020 and former running back Tony Pollard did in 2023. Prescott signed an extension the following offseason, while Pollard joined the Tennessee Titans in 2024.
One would think that after the Parsons debacle last offseason, the Cowboys would want to avoid another standoff with one of their stars. But some things never change in Dallas.
The Cowboys are taking another big risk in assuming Pickens will sign the tag. They’d better hope it works out, or else they may lose another star player for a second consecutive year.