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Cowboys Place Nonexclusive Franchise Tag on George Pickens for 2026

The designation lets the Pro Bowl receiver explore offer sheets starting March 11 under a July 15 deadline for a long-term deal.

Overview

  • Dallas filed the tag Friday after meeting his representatives at the NFL Combine, locking in a projected $28.8 million one-year tender.
  • Under nonexclusive terms, Pickens may negotiate with other teams; the Cowboys can match any offer or decline and receive two first-round picks.
  • Talks were described as general to start, and if no extension is reached by July 15, he would play on the one-year tag or could elect to hold out under NFL rules.
  • The tag would be among Dallas’ largest 2026 cap hits, further constraining a roster already carrying major charges for Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, per Spotrac.
  • Pickens, 24, is coming off career highs of 93 catches, 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns with Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors, and executive Stephen Jones says the team expects him to remain in Dallas.