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Cowboys Tag Pickens, Sign Valdes-Scantling Amid Trade Stalemate

4/29/2026

24 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Pickens Tagged, Unsigned

Dallas Cowboys placed the franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens, who has not signed it.
Stephen Jones said the team will not negotiate a long-term contract with Pickens this offseason.
The $27.3 million one-year tender would allow a trade if Pickens signs it, but agent David Mulugheta reports no trade offers have materialized.
Dallas signed veteran receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling to a one-year deal, sparking further trade speculation.

Summary

Pickens Unsigned

Pickens missed the first day of voluntary workouts after the draft, showing no immediate offseason presence.
Because the franchise tag remains unsigned, Dallas can rescind it before Pickens signs.
Analysts say the signing timeline could affect whether Pickens reports to mandatory minicamp and later training camp.
Team officials maintain they have zero intention to trade Pickens despite ongoing trade chatter.

History

Historical Context

Since the NFL’s March 1 franchise-tag deadline, the Cowboys have repeatedly used the tool, notably tagging quarterback Dak Prescott on March 16 2020 with a $31.4 million tender. Owner Jerry Jones warns such moves can force a loss of premier talent, underscoring the tag’s role in contract negotiations that continues into the 2020s and has shaped the Cowboys’ roster strategy for years.

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Pickens Tagged, Unsigned

Dallas Cowboys placed the franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens, who has not signed it.
Stephen Jones said the team will not negotiate a long-term contract with Pickens this offseason.
The $27.3 million one-year tender would allow a trade if Pickens signs it, but agent David Mulugheta reports no trade offers have materialized.
Dallas signed veteran receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling to a one-year deal, sparking further trade speculation.

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