George Pickens left the Dallas Cowboys fans waiting for one week. A week before the NFL draft, it was reported that the wide receiver would be signing the tag. But he still did not happen. Finally, the George Pickens franchise tag saga is over.

After a week of contract uncertainty, the Dallas Cowboys' Public Relations page on X officially confirmed it, putting a pause on further speculation.  

"GP3 has officially signed his 2026 franchise tag," read the post on April 29.

According to Patrick Walker of DallasCowboys.com, the wide receiver has signed the franchise tag worth $27.3 million, fully guaranteed on April 29, locking in a one-year deal with the Cowboys.

However, he did miss his first day at the voluntary program, which started on April 27, drawing attention despite being reported to have signed.

Pickens has the option to participate in this week’s team workouts, though he’s not required to, as Phase One of the offseason program is voluntary. He would not need to report until the mandatory minicamp kicks off on June 16.

Pickens put up career highs of 93 receptions, 1,429 yards, and nine touchdowns in one of the NFL’s top offenses.

With such production, it is expected of him to demand a long-term deal without being franchise-tagged every season. Prior to signing, Adam Schefter had reported that Pickens either 'wants a long-term contract, or he would like a trade.'

The Cowboys have time till July 15 to negotiate meeting the demands of their wide receiver. But the Cowboys' director of player personnel, Stephen Jones, has made it clear his intentions clear about Pickens.

Dallas Cowboys’ Clear Plan for George Pickens

Jones made the franchise's stance clear on 'zero intentions of moving Pickens' during the post-draft conference on Day 1.

“We have no intention of moving George," Jones said, via the team’s website. “We’re fired up about him signing his [tag], because it means he’s ready to come in here and get to work."

Jones cited the team's investment in two high-paid wide receivers as the reasoning behind the decision. Acquired from Pittsburgh last year, the 25-year-old put together a breakout season.

Still, Dallas’ defensive struggles continued and led to a 7-9-1 record. In the process, they missed the second consecutive playoff.

Pickens flourished alongside CeeDee Lamb, who is entering the second year of his $136 million, four-year deal, an average of $34 million per year that ranks third among receivers.

What do you think Dallas will decide about Pickens' future?

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar