Report: Cowboys to franchise tag Pickens

The Dallas Cowboys will place the franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens on Friday, sources told ESPN's Todd Archer.

The Cowboys' brass met with Pickens' representation at the NFL combine in Indianapolis on Thursday, though they didn't have in-depth talks, Archer reported.

Dallas has until July 15 to iron out a long-term contract with the 24-year-old or he'll be forced to play the 2026 season on the franchise tag.

The tag value for wide receivers is projected to be about $28.8 million, according to Over the Cap.

Dallas was widely expected to retain Pickens this offseason rather than letting him test free agency. Team owner Jerry Jones said earlier in February that he was looking forward to keeping the wideout for a "long time."

The Cowboys acquired Pickens in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers last offseason. He put up the best numbers of his career in 2025 with 93 receptions and 1,429 receiving yards, third most in the NFL.