George Pickens signs franchise tag hours before NFL draft in intriguing Cowboys trade twist

George Pickens’ contract saga with the Cowboys has taken another twist.

Just a day after Dallas announced it would not negotiate a long-term deal with Pickens, the wide receiver intends to sign his franchise tag tender, ESPN reported Thursday.

Pickens signing the franchise tag guarantees that he will earn $27.3 million this upcoming season, and will report to minicamp in June or be subject to fines.

George Pickens of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates after gaining a first down against the Washington Commanders during the first half of the NFL game at Northwest Stadium on December 25, 2025 in Landover, Maryland. Getty Images

The Cowboys are also now eligible to trade Pickens heading into the NFL draft Thursday evening, although there have been no trade discussions with other teams, according to ESPN.

Executive vice president Stephen Jones informed reporters Wednesday that the organization’s upper brass told Pickens’ agent, David Mulugheta, that they would not engage in contract talks.

“We’ve made a decision that we’re gonna have George play under the franchise tag, which won’t be a first for us,” Jones said. “There won’t be negotiations on a long-term deal. That’s certainly not a first for this organization and won’t be a first in the league, in terms of this decision as we move forward.

“So whether it’s Dak Prescott, who played under one and then got tagged a second time, whether that’s DeMarcus Lawrence or whether it’s Tony Pollard, we’ve had those situations.”

Dallas Cowboys Vs. New York Giants at AT&T Stadium: Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones during warms-up before the start of the game. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post

Jones added that the conversation between management and Mulugheta was “super cordial,” and that owner Jerry Jones and head coach Brian Schottenheimer spoke directly to Pickens about their decision.

Pickens, 25, is coming off a career year since being dealt to the Cowboys ahead of last season, posting career highs in receiving yards (1,429), receptions (93) and touchdowns (nine), ultimately earning him his first Pro Bowl appearance.

“We’re so fired up to have George on this football team,” Stephen said. “He’s been here for a year, and we gave up a third-round pick for him and he’s made tremendous progress in the year he’s been here. He’ll be the first to tell you this is a great situation for him — playing with CeeDee [Lamb] and Dak, and in Schottenheimer’s offense.

“He loves coach Schottenheimer and what he brings to the table. But this is the conscious decision we’ve made.”