The Dallas Cowboys are moving decisively to secure the future of standout wide receiver George Pickens as the 2026 NFL offseason moves into full gear.
With free agency here and salary cap considerations mounting, Cowboys executive vice-president Stephen Jones delivered a succinct but unmistakable message about Pickens‘ status: “We want Pickens here.”
Jones‘ comments, shared during an interview with NFL.com, underscore how highly the organization values the young receiver. He went further, stating that the team thinks the “world of him,” making it clear that Dallas is prepared to back up words with action.
Dallas is widely expected to use the franchise tag on Pickens before the early March deadline, ensuring he remains with the team at least for one more season while giving both sides time to negotiate a long-term contract.
The projected franchise tag for wide receivers in 2026 is estimated around $28 million, a figure that reflects Pickens‘ rising profile in the league. This approach gives the Cowboys flexibility to plan for other roster needs while keeping one of their most explosive playmakers in the fold.
Pickens is coming off the best season of his professional career. In 2025, he posted 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns, all career highs, while earning a spot on the All-Pro second team. He proved remarkably durable, playing all 17 games of the season, and emerged as quarterback Dak Prescott’s most reliable target.
His performance even eclipsed that of star receiver CeeDee Lamb, who battled injuries and managed 1,077 yards and three touchdowns over 14 games. Pickens‘ consistency and big-play ability have made him a critical piece of Dallas’ pass-heavy offense.
Cowboys strategizing around Pickens, cap, and team balance
The Cowboys are not only weighing the franchise tag as a retention tool but also as a strategic measure to manage their salary cap while addressing roster needs on both offense and defense.
By placing the tag on Pickens, Dallas secures his talents without immediately committing to a long-term deal, leaving room to maneuver if negotiations stall or other priorities emerge. Analysts suggest that Pickens could become the team’s primary receiving option in 2026, especially if his upward trajectory continues and Lamb faces further injury concerns.
Pickens, who will turn 25 in early March, was acquired from the Pittsburgh Steelers in a trade that now looks like a steal. His emergence has brought fresh optimism to the Cowboys’ offense and energized fans eager to see Dallas compete at a high level.
With Stephen Jones publicly backing Pickens and framing him as essential to the team’s future, the spotlight is now on contract discussions. How quickly and effectively the Cowboys secure their rising star will be pivotal to their offensive plans and championship aspirations for 2026.
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