As the countdown to the regular season continues, front offices across the league are working to eliminate uncertainty surrounding key players. As another major offseason question has now been answered, it has left George Pickens alone.

“The Falcons reached agreement with tight end Kyle Pitts on a three-year, $54 million deal, leaving Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens as the only player who will play this season on the franchise tag,” per Charean Williams of NBC Sports.

The New York Jets also finalized a deal with their running back Breece Hall for a three-year, $43.5 million contract in May, according to Spotrac. The Indianapolis Colts signed their quarterback, Daniel Jones, to a two-year, $88 million contract in March, who was franchise tagged earlier. 

“The Cowboys have until July 15 to reach a long-term deal with Pickens, but they already announced the Pro Bowler will play 2026 under the tag," per Williams.

The Cowboys owner, Jerry Jones, expects Pickens to elevate his on-field production and off-field behavior while evaluating his extension with the team.

Pickens enters the 2026 season after a breakout campaign with all career highs in reception (93), receiving yards (1,429), and touchdowns (9), averaging 15.4 yards per catch in 2025.

"This is great from our view," Jones said, per Jori Epstein of Yahoo Sports on May 20. "For him as well, it lets him really extend what he's got going right now in light of the fact that. When we got him, we got him for no other reason than because there was a long-term question."

The wideout was fined multiple times during his stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers for reporting late to the team meetings and practices. He was also benched for a drive for missing the team bus and fined for reported tardiness last season.

While the Cowboys are yet to make a decision, Pickens looks to strengthen his case for a potential lucrative long-term extension.

Pickens sends a clear message after reporting to the minicamp

Pickens said that his focus remains on landing the Vince Lombardi Trophy, entering the 2026 season with a 'football-first' mindset.

"What's important to me is winning," Pickens said at Dallas' team facility, on June 15, as quoted by Jon Machota of The Athletic. "Like I said from the beginning, I always want to bring a Super Bowl to a group of guys that never had that feeling. That's really the most important part to me."

He shut down the speculations of holding out further, crediting his teammates, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott, for his decision to show up for the team.

Pickens is expected to attend the training camp on July 28 in Oxnard, and by reporting to the mandatory minicamp, he has kept his priorities straight: leading the Cowboys to a Super Bowl title.

Will Dallas soon finalize a deal with Pickens? Let us know about your thoughts in the comments.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar