- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Cowboys Admit George Pickens' Contract Talks Might Get Ugly
Team expects to use franchise tag on star wide receiver, but player may threaten holdout.
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The Dallas Cowboys are expected to place the franchise tag on star wide receiver George Pickens, but team executive Stephen Jones acknowledged that the negotiations could get contentious. Pickens has a reputation for a hot temper, and players often don't appreciate being franchise-tagged. The Cowboys hope to work out a long-term deal with Pickens, who is coming off a career-best season, but his agent has a history of tough negotiations, raising concerns that Pickens could threaten to hold out if a new contract isn't reached by the July 15 deadline.
Why it matters
The Cowboys' ability to retain Pickens, one of the NFL's top young receivers, is crucial to their offensive success and playoff aspirations. However, the franchise tag often leads to acrimonious contract disputes, which could disrupt the team's offseason preparations and chemistry if Pickens decides to protest the designation.
The details
The Cowboys plan to use the franchise tag on Pickens, giving them until July 15 to negotiate a long-term deal. However, Jones acknowledged that Pickens, known for his fiery temperament, may threaten to hold out if the two sides can't reach an agreement. Pickens is coming off a career-best season in 2025, leading the team in receptions, yards, and touchdowns, and developing strong chemistry with quarterback Dak Prescott. But his agent, David Mulugheta, has a history of tough negotiations, as seen in the Micah Parsons contract talks last offseason, which could complicate the process.
- The Cowboys are expected to place the franchise tag on George Pickens.
- The two sides have until July 15 to reach a new long-term contract.
The players
George Pickens
A star wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys who is coming off a career-best season in 2025.
Stephen Jones
The executive vice president of the Dallas Cowboys, who acknowledged the team's concerns about Pickens' potential reaction to being franchise-tagged.
David Mulugheta
The agent for George Pickens, who has a history of tough contract negotiations, as seen in the Micah Parsons deal last offseason.
Dak Prescott
The quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, with whom Pickens has developed strong chemistry.
What they’re saying
“You always hope that your players are going to be in here and working hard and getting ready for the next season. We also understand that just as we have the option to use the franchise tag, they have their options as well, negotiated in our labor agreement and collective bargaining agreement.”
— Stephen Jones, Executive Vice President, Dallas Cowboys (CBS Sports)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
