The Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens remains on a franchise tag for the 2026 season, and one NFL analyst backed the Cowboys' decision not to extend his contract after the wideout missed voluntary OTAs.

During the Stinkin' Truth Podcast with Mark Schlereth, NFL analysts Mark Schlereth and Mike Evans read a fan's question about the Cowboys' 2026 season outlook.

Though Schlereth expressed confidence in the Cowboys winning the division, he also supported the team's decision to have Pickens play on the franchise tag.

“I always worry a little bit about Pickens and his propensity to only play hard occasionally,” Schlereth said. “But one thing that Dallas has done that I think is smart is not giving him a long-term deal, right? They're making him play on the franchise tag. So, I think that part is good.”

Pickens signed the franchise tag ($27.29M) and is set to play with the Cowboys for the 2026 season.

While the Cowboys have time until July 15 to negotiate a long-term extension, they have been clear about neither offering him a long-term extension nor trading him to another team.

However, Schlereth's comments align with the Cowboys' cautious approach toward Pickens' long-term future. Jerry Jones expects Pickens to build on his 2025 breakout campaign to be considered for a long-term extension.

Pickens recorded all career highs in receptions (93), receiving yards (1,429), and touchdowns (9) in 2025.

He is also expected to have good off-field conduct, considering his previous stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to Jori Epstein of Yahoo Sports.

“We got him for no other reason than because there was a long-term question,” Jones said during a league meeting in early May, per Yahoo Sports. “Through next year and this year, he’ll answer all those questions.”

With no long-term deal on the horizon, Pickens' absence from voluntary OTA sessions has drawn speculation regarding his attendance for the upcoming mandatory minicamp as well.

But head coach Brian Schottenheimer said he expects him to join by minicamp, according to dallascowboys.com.

NFL Analyst Picks Cowboys to Win NFC East

Mark Schlereth also predicted the ceiling and floor wins for the Cowboys ahead of the 2026 season, making a bold claim that they will be winning in the NFC East division.

Schlereth projected a ceiling of 11 wins and a floor of 8-9 wins for the team, landing them a divisional championship.

"I think Dallas has got a legit shot to overtake Philadelphia and Washington and win that," Schlereth said. "So yeah, maybe the window is opening there for an opportunity for Dallas to barrel through and grab this division."

With the Eagles being vulnerable, the Commanders being unproven contenders, and the Giants focusing on rebuilding, Schlereth believes that the Cowboys have an edge against the divisional rivals.

What do you think about George Pickens' approach this season? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Rudra Dubey