Instead, according to Jeremy Fowler, the organization chose to place the franchise tag on the star wide receiver, creating uncertainty about his long-term future. “Essentially, the Cowboys want to see more from Pickens, who came to Dallas with character concerns, before committing long-term dollars. But a receiver coming off a banner season with 93 catches for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns rarely has to wait.”

The situation immediately reminds many around the NFL of what happened with Micah Parsons. After refusing to meet Parsons’ contract demands, the Cowboys eventually traded the superstar pass rusher to the Green Bay Packers, a move that created enormous backlash among fans and analysts.

Cowboys could face major problem with George Pickens in 2027

According to the report several people around the league already believe this situation could become much more complicated if the Cowboys continue delaying a long-term agreement beyond the 2026 season.

An NFL executive told Fowler. “Dallas is going to face a big decision because Pickens is set up to have another productive season and the receiver market has skyrocketed. If they tag him again without the promise of a new deal, he could revolt.”

That warning reflects the growing tension surrounding wide receiver contracts across the NFL. Elite receivers continue resetting the market every offseason, and if Pickens delivers another dominant campaign, his asking price could increase even further by next year.

For Jerry Jones, the gamble is clear. The Cowboys believe Pickens still needs to prove he can consistently handle the responsibilities that come with a massive contract despite his production on the field. However, delaying negotiations also increases the risk of creating another fractured relationship with one of the franchise’s biggest stars.

At this point, Jones appears willing to bet on one more season before fully committing. But if Pickens dominates again in 2026, the Cowboys could soon find themselves dealing with another contract saga capable of completely overshadowing the team’s Super Bowl aspirations.

Earlier when it was announced that Pickens would be tagged, Dak Prescott told him to “bet on himself.” Now, Prescott spoke via the team’s website and said, “The guy that I know George is, obviously he signed the tag, so when he has to be there and ready to play, he’s going to be there. He’s a hell of a talent. We’ve thrown this offseason, so I’m comfortable with where he’s at and I’m excited for when he can get in the building and get rolling.”

To be fair, the first season where Pickens and Prescott played together was one to remember. The connection between them was very natural and incredibly effective. For the Cowboys‘ sake, they hope this year will be the same.

Pickens was arguably the Cowboys’ WR1 in 2025

Last season was Pickens’ first as a Cowboy and he delivered and then some. Dak Prescott led the NFL with 404 completions, and 93 of them were receptions by Pickens, who racked up 1429 yards with nine touchdowns. He was a Pro Bowler and a second-team All-Pro.

For instance, CeeDee Lamb, who is on paper the team’s WR1, had 1077 yards and three touchdowns on 75 catches. Hence, Pickens outplayed him in every single statistic. Also Lamb had eight drops last season, Pickens had only four.

The Cowboys have made moves to fight for a playoff berth

At least for this season the offense will be a high-octane one, with Pickens, Lamb, and tight end Jake Ferguson as the weapons for Dak Prescott, as well as running back Javonte Williams bringing a running threat.

The defensive line will be a tough one to beat with Quinnen Williams, Rashan Gary, and Kenny Clark. Not to mention, they drafted Malachi Lawrence to help out. The secondary has names like Caleb Downs, Cobie Durant, Malik Hooker, DaRon Bland, and plenty more. The roster is very good.

“There’s zero interest in a trade for George Pickens. Zero interest,” Stephen Jones firmly stated on the Mad Dog Sports Radio. Evidently, Brian Schottenheimer and the rest of his staff intend to keep their elite offensive trio composed of Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Pickens.

Meanwhile, as the team’s first moves begin to take shape, Jones also added that he expects to see the receiver at the OTA sessions: “Certainly, that’s what we expect. I mean, anytime a player signs a contract and the expectations, as we hold for all of our players, is when you sign up and you’re under contract then you’re expected to do what your teammates are doing.”

Everything seems to have fallen into place for America’s team. The Cowboys defensive projection has grown exponentially thanks to their reinforcements, and now the offense—their greatest strength—has been secured for 2026.

How is Pickens’ contract situation?

By signing the tender, Pickens locked in a fully guaranteed salary of $27.3 million, ensuring he remains a focal point of the Cowboys’ offense alongside CeeDee Lamb.

While the team has currently paused negotiations for a long-term extension until the 2027 offseason, the signing of the tag eliminates any threat of a holdout. This allows Pickens to focus entirely on the upcoming campaign as the team’s clear WR2, aiming to build on his elite production from last year and solidify his case for a record-breaking contract in the near future.

Cowboys offense aims to remain elite

Leading the league’s second-ranked total offense in 2025, Dak Prescott orchestrated a high-powered aerial attack that accounted for 4,552 passing yards and 30 touchdowns. Under his veteran command, the air game became the unit’s primary engine, helping Dallas maintain a top-tier average of 391.9 total yards per game.

By consistently challenging defenses downfield, Prescott finished the season with a solid 99.5 passer rating, proving the team’s pass-heavy identity remains one of the most potent threats in the NFL.

“I don’t think there’s any reason for us to have that [conversation]. That’s now what we plan on doing,” Schottenheimer admitted to The Dallas Morning News.

After putting pen to paper on the $27.3 million franchise tag for the 2026 NFL season, Pickens is set to become an unrestricted free agent next offseason. Thus, it begs the question of which route Jerry Jones and the Cowboys will go down. Dallas has made it clear it won’t entertain extension talks at this point. If anything, America’s Team will wait to see how Pickens performs next season.

Cowboys won’t make Pickens decision right now

Facing a plethora of options, there’s even room for Jones and the Cowboys to make Pickens the highest-paid WR in NFL history. That prospect is surely one that will motivate Pickens to put together another strong year in Arlington. However, Schottenheimer believes Pickens isn’t one to be money-driven.

“I think [Pickens] would play this game for a dollar as much as he loves football,” Schottenheimer commented on Dallas’ star wideout. “These guys that love playing the game, they love playing the game.”

That might be true, but Jones and the Cowboys still had a tough time reaching an agreement with Pickens and his camp. At the end of the day, the wide receiver out of Georgia will play on the tag in 2026. Whatever happens next is uncertain. Schottenheimer says Dallas isn’t entertaining any speculation around Pickens—neither an extension nor a trade. However, history should warn everybody to keep an eye on America’s Team.

Parsons’ case casts a cloud of concern over Pickens

Anything can happen. Knowing Jones’ history with Pickens’ agent, David Mulugheta, it’s easy to question whether such a record-setting extension will be possible. After all, Micah Parsons—represented by Mulugheta as well—was also poised to sign a groundbreaking contract back in 2025, but he ended up putting pen to paper on a record non-quarterback contract in NFL history in Green Bay.

Indeed, everything is bigger in Texas, but it seems like Jones’ will to extend stars doesn’t match that. Or, what’s also big is the Cowboys owner’s grudge against Mulugheta.

Schottenheimer may have pushed back on a potential trade, but recent history indicates nothing can be taken for granted when it comes to the franchise valued at approximately $13 billion—according to Forbes‘ list in 2025—and located in Arlington, Texas, the “American Dream City.”

“I’ll be excited to see him whenever I see him,” the head coach said via Todd Archer on X. The insider also added that Schottenheimer was not surprised that Pickens signed the franchise tag tender, and that communication between both sides has been excellent.

Dak Prescott is smiling, as is Jerry Jones and company. America’s Team had one of the most effective offenses last season, thanks in part to the contributions of former Steelers receiver. The big question heading into 2026 is whether they can take their numbers to another level.

Pickens’ 2025 numbers

George Pickens had a breakout debut season with the Dallas Cowboys in 2025, proving to be a premier deep threat for Dak Prescott. Over 17 games, he recorded career-highs across the board with 93 receptions for 1,429 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns, averaging an impressive 15.4 yards per catch.

His performance earned him his first Pro Bowl selection and Second-team All-Pro honors, finishing the season as the league’s third-leading receiver in total yards. Following this elite production, the Cowboys placed the franchise tag on him for the 2026 season to ensure he remains a cornerstone of their offense alongside CeeDee Lamb.

What’s Pickens’ contract situation?

Following latest season, the Cowboys placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on George Pickens to prevent him from hitting unrestricted free agency. Under this one-year tender, Pickens is set to earn a fully guaranteed salary of approximately $24.1 million for the 2026 season.

While the tag secures his presence in the lineup for now, both parties have until the mid-July deadline to negotiate a multi-year contract extension; otherwise, he will play out the year on the one-year deal and potentially face the tag again or free agency in 2027.

The star wideout had Dallas in limbo, but Pickens finally stayed true to Jones and the Cowboys. It took a while, but he put pen to paper on the franchise tag. If the relationship between Pickens and Jones’ Cowboys is indeed on good terms, reports suggest Dallas may unload a huge paycheck for Pickens next summer.

However, the deal lies in the hands of Pickens, whose off-the-field drama is a big reason why the Cowboys haven’t re-signed him to such an extension yet. If Pickens proves he can behave, there’s little reason to believe Jones wouldn’t welcome him back with open arms to AT&T Stadium—a.k.a. Jerry World.

“If [Pickens] goes into this season, plays on the franchise tag, and has a repeat of last year—and I don’t mean on the field, I mean off the field—he will sign the biggest contract for a wide receiver in NFL history,” Andrew Hawkins stated on NFL Live. “And he would’ve earned it, and answered a lot of questions.”

It’s up to Pickens

The ball is in Pickens’ court now. Obviously, Jones and the Cowboys are free to trade him at any moment if the right offer comes up, but they’ve shown no indication of being interested in trading Pickens. After all, the former second-round pick proved he can be a main target in Dallas’ offense.

Last season, he led the Cowboys in receptions (93), receiving yards (1,429), and receiving touchdowns (9). He was also the team leader in big plays—20-plus-yard gains—with 22 such catches or runs after the catch. With CeeDee Lamb sidelined in several games, Pickens proved his worth. Most importantly, he showcased his professionalism and eased most concerns about his personality and off-the-field antics.

Aside from being benched—along with Lamb—in the opening series against the Las Vegas Raiders after being late to the team bus, Pickens stayed out of trouble all year long. If he can keep that up, Jones may pay him the big bucks in 2027.

Cowboys don’t want to re-sign Pickens right now

With Pickens under the franchise tag and the board’s reluctance to re-sign him before the 2026 NFL season, the Cowboys are essentially hitting all the green lights to complete a blockbuster trade. Pickens wants to stay in Dallas, so he won’t complain much so as not to force Jones’ hand.

Simply put, Pickens must trust Jones will keep his word. Exactly like the Cowboys did when it was up to the wide receiver to come forward and sign the $27.3 million franchise tag.

Where Pickens’ contract ranks among NFL WRs

Entering the upcoming campaign, Pickens’ $27.3 million deal in 2026 ranks 15th among wide receivers in average per year (APY). Jaxon Smith-Njigba leads the NFL with his $42.1 million APY contract with the Seattle Seahawks. Out of every big-name wide receiver across the league, only Pickens is set to enter a contract year. Nico Collins could give him a run for his (projected) money, but the Houston Texans’ star is under contract through 2027.

Thus, if Pickens stays the course and puts up another fantastic season with America’s Team, he could be in for a skyrocketing jump to the very top of that list. It’s up to him—and to Jerry Jones not to pull off a signature, unexpected trade.

“The expectation right now is still that [George Pickens] shows up and plays on the tag,” as reported on ESPN’s Get Up morning show.

Although Pickens has Jones and the Cowboys in limbo despite the reported verbal agreement between the organization and his agent, signs may point in the direction that the wideout will finally sign the $27. 3 million franchise tag tender. That might put an end to the drama ahead of the 2026 NFL season—though it’s not guaranteed.

Cowboys won’t entertain long-term contract talks

Jerry Jones has made the Cowboys‘ intentions clear. Dallas wants Pickens to play through the 2026 NFL season on the tag before it makes any decision on his long-term future. Whether that decision is made because of the wide receiver’s performance or the fact his agent is David Mulugheta, that’s another question.

Pickens may accept those terms—likely with remorse and bitterness. Still, signing his franchise tag tender won’t cancel out the trade buzz around Pickens. If anything, it may only bolster it. Until he signs the tender, Pickens can’t be traded. The fact the Cowboys have added Marquez Valdes-Scantling to the depth chart may signal that a trade involving Pickens is a real possibility.

Ever since the 2026 NFL Draft weekend came to an end, most reports indicate the Cowboys aren’t interested in trading Pickens. However, actions tend to speak louder than words, and Dallas’ recent activity begs the question of whether there’s been a sudden change of heart regarding the former second-round selection (by the Pittsburgh Steelers) in 2022.

Pickens’ numbers

The former Steeler is coming off a career year in the 2025 NFL campaign. During his first season on America’s Team, Pickens recorded career highs in receptions (93), receiving yards (1,429), touchdowns (9), and first downs (73). Still, Jones and company have their doubts about extending a long-term contract offer to him and his camp, led by Mulugheta.

Things might have been much easier had Pickens been taken off the board at least 20 picks earlier in the 2022 NFL Draft. If he had been a first-round selection, “Dem Boyz” could have simply exercised the fifth-year option on Pickens back in 2025.

However, had Pickens been a first-rounder, his fate in Pittsburgh might have been quite different. He may never have been traded to Dallas in the first place. It’s all hypothetical.

Where Jones, Pickens, and the Cowboys stand

What’s factual is that Jones’ Cowboys and Pickens remain in a standoff. Neither is giving the other an inch. Reports suggest Pickens will play on the tag, but until he signs the tender, anything can happen. Well, actually, virtually nothing can happen.

Once he signs the tender, that’s when the options are truly limitless for Jones and company to work their magic. Perhaps the owner of the Cowboys has one more trick up his sleeve, just for old times’ sake.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Pickens’ agent, David Mulugheta, gave Jones and the Cowboys his word (via email) that Pickens would put pen to paper on the franchise tag tender. However, a week has passed, and the wideout has yet to come forward with his signature, as Todd Archer reported.

Pickens could come out at any hour and finally sign the tender, but with every grain of sand that falls through the hourglass, trade rumors around him only grow stronger and louder across the NFL. Moreover, the fact Marquez Valdes-Scantling is joining the Cowboys’ WR depth chart may signal that trading Pickens is plausible.

Cowboys can’t do much about it

Pickens is still making up his mind and seems to be taking his sweet time. Knowing his agent, Mulugheta, Jones should have known not to expect anything different. “If [Pickens] worked without an agent, he’d save a lot of money with me,” Jones said back in March.

As the standoff continues heading into May, Jones should have added that Pickens would have saved him and America’s Team a lot of time by going solo. Now, the two sides are holding their ground. Even if there was a verbal agreement, words are like the wind blowing through the Chihuahuan Desert.

Neither side is going to give an inch, and both are ready to play the long game. Fans may not, though, and all the drama may only be setting up the Cowboys for failure in the 2026 NFL season.

Could the Cowboys trade Pickens?

Even if the Cowboys gave up on Pickens and opted to trade him away, they would need Pickens to sign his franchise tag tender first. Still, Fowler reports Dallas is not even considering going down that route yet.

Of course, anything can happen, but it seems a very high chance of shipping Pickens away flew out the window the moment the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft ended. The Cowboys came away with one of the best talents in the entire class as they drafted Caleb Downs, and they didn’t have to give up their elite wide receiver to do so, so they may not have much reason to do so now.

Relationship between Jones and Pickens’ agent

Jones, the Cowboys, and Mulugheta have been through a lot. The agent also represents Micah Parsons, so it’s easy to see where the root of this conflict is. Some may see that chapter as water under the bridge; clearly, those people don’t know Jones or Mulugheta.

As if the situation around Pickens wasn’t hard enough, Jones and the Cowboys could be set for another heated negotiation with DeMarvion Overshown. Entering a contract year in Dallas, the 25-year-old linebacker hired Mulugheta as his agent. If America’s Team is interested in re-signing the product out of Texas, expect those contract talks to be complicated as well.

Mulugheta has grown to become a thorn in Jones’ side, and it seems he is everywhere the Cowboys are interested in doing business. Knowing Mulugheta is behind Pickens, it should be no surprise to Jones and company that the wideout is taking his time before holding up to his end of the bargain.

Reported by Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the former player of teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers, Green Bay Packers, and Seattle Seahawks is going to another explosive offense. Aaron Rodgers’ Steelers future is still unclear, so Marquez Valdes-Scantling decided to join Dak Prescott at the Cowboys.

As for the team’s wide receiver depth chart, CeeDee Lamb is the first option, with Pickens as No. 2 as of now. Then, Valdes-Scantling could come at three, and Ryan Flournoy going as the main slot guy. Jonathan Mingo, KaVontae Turpin, Anthony Smith, Traeshon Holden, Jordan Hudson, Parris Campbell, Camden Brown, and newly-signed Tyler Johnson round up the WR room.

Is Marquez Valdes-Scantling a great replacement of George Pickens?

Pickens is a star, but MVS is a reliable veteran. Still, he is nowhere near Pickens’ level. It’s been reported that Pickens will sign his franchise tag, but this is a volatile personality that could turn into unpredictable behavior.

As for how good of a replacement he is. It’s not precisely the best. Pickens has excellent hands, great contested catch ratio and yards after catch. MVS is a good deep threat, but that’s about it. However, he does bring Super Bowl pedigree, since he is a two-time NFL champion.

The Cowboys are struggling with a star once again

It seems like a yearly thing where the Cowboys have a contractual battle with one of their stars. They had an issue with Micah Parsons that ended up in a trade to the Packers. Previously, it happened in 2024 when trying to sign CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott’s contract extensions. There always seem to be some sort of trouble.

According to Adam Schefter, Pickens is officially signing his franchise tag, a move that carries important implications beyond just securing his short-term status. “George Pickens is signing his franchise tag. Once Cowboys WR signs his franchise tag, he can be traded anytime.”

That detail is crucial, as it immediately opens the door for potential trade scenarios. While the franchise tag often signals a temporary commitment, it can also serve as a bridge toward a deal elsewhere, especially in situations where long-term negotiations have stalled.

Will Cowboys trade George Pickens?

Yes. With the tag now signed, the Cowboys gain flexibility in how they handle George Pickens’ future. Jerry Jones could keep him for the 2026 season, but the owner also now has the option to explore trade offers without contractual restrictions.

Given the earlier decision not to pursue a long-term extension, the possibility of a trade becomes more realistic during the 2026 NFL Draft. Teams in need of a top-tier wide receiver could view Pickens as an immediate impact addition, particularly with the financial clarity provided by the tag.

Ultimately, this move shifts the conversation from whether Pickens will play to where he might play. As the situation evolves, the Cowboys now hold a valuable asset, one that could either remain central to their offense or become a key piece in a potential trade scenario.

According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, Cowboys owner Jerry and COO Stephen Jones held a professional conversation with Mulugheta in which they discussed Pickens’ future in Dallas. Mulugheta and the franchise in Arlington have been through a lot, and both sides may benefit from wiping the slate clean.

Hours away from Roger Goodell announcing the first overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft—to no one’s surprise, it will most definitely be Fernando Mendoza to the Las Vegas Raiders—Jones and the Cowboys are staying busy. In fact, they have reportedly reached—or made an effort to reach—a truce with Mulugheta.

Still, anything can happen, and if history has taught us anything, it’s that even the nicest-looking gift can turn into a trap. Don’t believe it? Ask the Trojans. As Pickens could hold leverage over Jones and the Cowboys amid the contract standoff, the front office in Dallas is making sure to cover all its bases.

Jones recently took a shot at Mulugheta

Pickens’ future has been up in the air for quite some time. The Cowboys have now ruled out a long-term extension for the star wideout and will have him under the franchise tag for the 2026 NFL season.

In more ways than one, it feels like Dallas is playing hardball with Pickens as a means of getting at his agent, and the wide receiver is the collateral damage. Jones hasn’t been too secretive with his thoughts on Mulugheta. “If he worked without an agent, he’d save a lot of money with me,” Jones said back in March about Pickens, with a clear dig at Mulugheta, whom he hasn’t often seen eye to eye with.

Mulugheta, who works for Athletes First, is also Micah Parsons’ agent. Everybody knows how that story ended—as it’s the reason the Dallas Cowboys own two first-rounders, and why the Green Bay Packers don’t have a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft—and why the front office in Dallas isn’t too fond of Mulugheta.

Could Pickens be traded out of Dallas?

Whether a player can be traded is often a complex question in the NFL—one that can rarely be answered with a simple yes or no. Simply put, virtually every player outside of franchise quarterbacks can be traded with little remorse from teams.

When it comes to Pickens, whom the Cowboys want to keep around but are unwilling to sign to his presumed long-term deal, it leaves the door open for a trade. The fact Dallas and Pickens’ agent don’t get along particularly well only adds to the suspense, and the timing of the 2026 NFL Draft may be the cherry on top.

Thus, if there’s a time and place for Pickens to be moved, before, during, or in the aftermath of the draft might be a reasonable window for the Cowboys to explore those possibilities. If Jones realizes there’s no bridge left to mend with Mulugheta, and Pickens won’t follow his advice to go solo in negotiations, then the Cowboys could conclude that a trade before—or during—the season is better than watching Pickens walk out as an unrestricted free agent.

Legal aspect complicates trade

“Players who have been offered franchise tags must sign the tender in order to formally process a trade,” Spotrac reported. Thus, until Pickens signs the tender, he can’t be traded by Dallas. And if he is—once the tender is signed—the team that acquires him would have to absorb his roughly $27.3 million cap hit for the 2026 NFL season.

Regardless of whether his new team gives him a new deal or not, Pickens will carry that cap hit in 2026. This complicates trade talks around Pickens. Either a team is willing to take on nearly $30 million against the cap, or the Cowboys hold on to him for the season—and the drama resumes next year.

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