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Cowboys Franchise-Tag George Pickens at $27.3M, No Long-Term Deal

4/30/2026

46 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Pickens Signs Tag

George Pickens signed his franchise-tag tender on April 29 2026, guaranteeing $27.3 million for 2026.
Stephen Jones said the Cowboys will not negotiate a long-term deal and have no intention of moving Pickens.
The tag, which permits a trade, lets Pickens join the offseason program and July camp.
Jerry Jones said Dallas can keep two receivers after Pickens’ 2025 Pro Bowl season of 93 catches, 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns.

Summary

Schefter Misreports

Adam Schefter misreported that Pickens had signed the franchise tender, sparking media confusion.
He later clarified on the Pat McAfee Show that Pickens was planning to sign, posted then deleted a claim that the player wanted a long-term extension or a trade, and prompted Todd Archer to correct him.
Dallas radio host Shan Shariff aired the erroneous statement, called it a “tizzy,” and demanded accountability, while Archer issued clarifications.

History

Historical Context

Paul Tagliabue introduced the NFL’s franchise tag in 1993, letting teams retain unrestricted free agents by guaranteeing at least the average of the five highest salaries at a position; the Dallas Cowboys used it on Alvin Harper for $5.5 million. In April 2026 the Cowboys again tagged wideout George Pickens, signing him for $27.3 million, underscoring the league’s long-standing clash over player value and team control.

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Pickens Signs Tag

George Pickens signed his franchise-tag tender on April 29 2026, guaranteeing $27.3 million for 2026.
Stephen Jones said the Cowboys will not negotiate a long-term deal and have no intention of moving Pickens.
The tag, which permits a trade, lets Pickens join the offseason program and July camp.
Jerry Jones said Dallas can keep two receivers after Pickens’ 2025 Pro Bowl season of 93 catches, 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns.

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