Report: Cowboys are expected to apply franchise tag to George Pickens

The Dallas Cowboys are expected to use the franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens, preventing him from becoming an unrestricted free agent on March 11, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Pickens, who was acquired from the Pittsburgh Steelers in a May 2025 trade, had a standout season with 93 receptions, 1,429 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns, earning him second-team All-Pro honors. The franchise tag for receivers is estimated at $28 million, significantly higher than Pickens' career earnings but below the market rate of $40 million annually.

If the Cowboys apply the non-exclusive tag, other teams can make offers, with Dallas having the right to match or receive two first-round picks if they decline. Pickens and the Cowboys have until July 15 to negotiate a long-term deal. Without a contract, Pickens could choose to withhold services until he secures a multi-year agreement, potentially impacting his participation in the offseason program, training camp, and preseason.