George Pickens remains in a holding pattern with the Cowboys as the team heads toward its April 20 voluntary offseason program and a July 15 deadline to reach a long-term deal. If nothing changes, he is set to play the 2026 season on the franchise tag.
The non-exclusive franchise tag, placed on Pickens in late February, would pay him $27.29 million guaranteed if he signs it. It also leaves Dallas free to keep working on a multi-year contract until July 15, while still holding another option if the sides never close the gap. A trade for Pickens remains possible, and if another team signs him to an offer sheet, the Cowboys can match it. If they do not, the club that signs him would owe Dallas two first-round picks.
That is the backdrop to comments from Stephen Jones on 105.3 The Fan on Tuesday, when he said no one had called with interest in George Pickens. Jerry Jones made a similar point at the NFL Owners Meetings in Phoenix, Arizona, at the end of May, saying the Cowboys had “long-term plans” for Pickens and that there had been no new talks with him or his representation about an extension. Brian Schottenheimer also said in Phoenix that he had no assurances Pickens would show up for the voluntary offseason program, adding, “I haven't pushed that on him.”
For now, the Cowboys are trying to keep every path open. They can sign Pickens to a longer deal before July 15, let him play on the tag, or deal him if the right offer arrives. Until then, the tag gives Dallas leverage, but it does not erase the uncertainty around whether Pickens will be on the field when the offseason work starts next week.
The first real test comes April 20, when the Cowboys open voluntary workouts. If Pickens stays away, the standoff will only get louder.