Cowboys' Pickens Contract Standoff Could Linger Into Summer

Wide receiver George Pickens has yet to sign franchise tag, raising concerns about his availability for offseason workouts.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 12:06pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a football player in mid-stride, their body broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette of blues, reds, and yellows, conceptually representing the complex contract situation between the player and his team.The complex contract negotiations between the Cowboys and star receiver George Pickens could create a fractured offseason for the team.Pickens Today

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens, who had a breakout 2025 season, has not yet signed his franchise tag tender. This has led to concerns that Pickens may not participate in the team's offseason program, with NFL insider Adam Schefter predicting the situation could drag on until the July 15 deadline for franchise-tagged players to sign a long-term deal.

Why it matters

Pickens' absence from offseason activities could hinder the Cowboys' preparation for the 2026 season, as he is a key part of their passing attack. The team is hoping to avoid a prolonged contract dispute that could disrupt their offseason plans.

The details

Pickens recorded career highs in receptions (93), receiving yards (1,429), and touchdown catches (9) in 2025, his first season with the Cowboys. His strong performance increased his value, leading the team to use the franchise tag to keep him for at least one more year. However, Pickens has not signed the tender, meaning he is not allowed at the team's facility until he does so. Schefter expects the situation to linger until the July 15 deadline for franchise-tagged players to sign a long-term deal.

  • Pickens has not signed his franchise tag tender as of early April 2026.
  • The July 15 deadline for franchise-tagged players to sign a long-term deal is the expected resolution point for this situation.

The players

George Pickens

A wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys who had a breakout 2025 season, earning him the franchise tag for 2026.

Brian Schottenheimer

The offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, who expressed uncertainty about Pickens' participation in offseason activities.

Stephen Jones

The executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Dallas Cowboys, who declined to comment on the Pickens contract situation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Well, Laura, he is not allowed to report to the Cowboys facility unless he signs his franchise tag. And he's not signing his franchise tag anytime soon, which means by the transit of property, if he hasn't signed and he can't be there, he's not going to be there until they have some sort of deal.”

— Adam Schefter, NFL Insider

What’s next

The two sides have until July 15 to reach a long-term deal, or Pickens will have to either sign the franchise tag or sit out the 2026 season.

The takeaway

This contract standoff between the Cowboys and star receiver George Pickens could become a major distraction if it drags on through the offseason, potentially disrupting the team's preparations for the 2026 season. Both sides will need to find a resolution before the July 15 deadline to avoid an extended holdout.