Cowboys QB Prescott Advises Pickens Amid Franchise Tag

Prescott tells Pickens to "bet on yourself" despite contract standoff with Dallas.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has offered advice to wide receiver George Pickens, who was recently hit with the franchise tag by the team. Prescott, who has experienced similar contract negotiations in the past, told Pickens to not let the "business mind" of the situation change his love for football, and to "bet on yourself" despite only being offered a one-year, $27.3 million deal under the franchise tag.

Why it matters

Contract disputes and franchise tag negotiations can be difficult for players, often removing them from the field and impacting their passion for the game. Prescott's advice aims to encourage Pickens to stay focused on his performance rather than get bogged down in the business side of the NFL.

The details

Pickens is coming off a career-best season in 2025, earning second-team AP All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors after recording 1,429 receiving yards and 93 receptions. However, the Cowboys opted to use the non-exclusive franchise tag on Pickens rather than sign him to a long-term deal. Prescott, who has dealt with his own contract negotiations in the past, told Pickens to not let the business side impact his love for football, and to "bet on yourself" despite the lower-than-expected franchise tag offer.

  • Pickens was given the Cowboys' franchise tag on March 1, 2026.

The players

Dak Prescott

The starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, who has previously navigated his own contract negotiations with the team.

George Pickens

The Dallas Cowboys' star wide receiver, who was recently given the franchise tag by the team despite a career-best 2025 season.

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What they’re saying

“George lives football. That's the one thing about it: 'Don't change your love for football. Don't get into the business mind of this.' He played last year on a one-year deal for not even that much. If he can go for $30 million, whatever it is now — that's the same thing I got when I was franchised — hey, go do it. At the end of the day, bet on yourself,”

— Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys Quarterback (The Dallas Morning News)

What’s next

The Cowboys and Pickens will now have until July 15th to negotiate a long-term contract extension. If no deal is reached by that deadline, Pickens will be required to play the 2026 season on the one-year franchise tag.

The takeaway

Prescott's advice to Pickens highlights the challenges players face when contract negotiations become contentious, but also emphasizes the importance of maintaining passion for the game despite the business realities of the NFL. This situation underscores the delicate balance teams must strike between retaining top talent and managing the salary cap.