The Cowboys had already announced they weren’t going to extend George Pickens’ contract, but it became official Wednesday.
The deadline passed for the sides to complete a long-term deal.
The Pro Bowl wide receiver will play 2026 on the one-year, fully guaranteed $27.3 million franchise tag. Pickens signed the non-exclusive tag on April 29.
He will be the only player in the NFL to play on the franchise tag.
Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts and Jets running back Breece Hall were tagged by their team, but both signed long-term deals this offseason. In addition, Colts quarterback Daniel Jones, who received the transition tag, signed a two-year, $88 million contract in March.
The Cowboys now cannot extend Pickens’ contract until the end of the regular season, and he is scheduled for free agency again in March.
Pickens will need another season like last season to potentially become one of — if not the — highest-paid at his position. He earned his first Pro Bowl in his first season in Dallas in 2025, making 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns.
