The Dallas Cowboys have paused negotiations for a long-term contract extension with wide receiver George Pickens, who was franchise-tagged in February and will play the 2026 season for a fully guaranteed $27.3 million. Executive Stephen Jones announced the decision during a pre-draft press conference in Frisco, Texas, on April 22, following Pickens' breakout 2025 season after his trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Stephen Jones confirmed that the Cowboys notified Pickens and agent David Mulugheta of the decision to delay extension talks until after the 2026 season. The franchise tag, applied earlier this year as widely expected, secures Pickens at $27.3 million amid his rapid rise in Dallas alongside CeeDee Lamb. Jones drew parallels to previous tags on Dak Prescott and Tony Pollard, where long-term deals followed later. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer praised the 25-year-old receiver's positive meeting and influence in the locker room, stating, 'The influence that he has on this locker room is very powerful because he loves playing football so much.' This development shifts focus from earlier extension buzz to performance on the tag.
