Cowboys Rule Out 2026 Contract Talks with George Pickens After Franchise Tag

The Dallas Cowboys have made clear they will not engage in contract discussions with franchise-tagged wide receiver George Pickens in 2026. The announcement follows a call between Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, executive vice president Stephen Jones, and Pickens' agent, David Mulugheta, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports.

The call was described as "professional and cordial." While the specifics of the conversation remain undisclosed, Jerry Jones revealed last week’s discussion lasted between five and ten minutes.

David Mulugheta also represents edge rusher Micah Parsons, whom the Cowboys traded before the 2025 season began after failing to reach a long-term agreement. Parsons had previously expressed reluctance to play under the fifth-year option.

The Cowboys applied the $27.3 million franchise tag to Pickens in March, preventing him from entering free agency.

During the pre-draft news conference, Stephen Jones addressed the team’s decision-making process regarding Pickens and the broader financial landscape.

"Let’s start with the fact that it’s not easy having two receivers being paid top of the market. I mean that’s obviously a stretch, especially when you have other great players on your team. A quarterback that’s been here, being the highest-paid player in this league for many years now. Certainly that’s part of it. The other thing is the newness of George being here. I think George has just done an amazing job. I mean he’s exceeded all expectations, I think, [of] anybody or we wouldn’t have gotten for a third-round pick. So that’s a plus. And a lot of those things, they make their way toward a long-term deal, but that’s the biggest part of it — between the business and newness of it."

Pickens’ contract situation contrasts with that of CeeDee Lamb, whose $34 million annual average ranks fourth among NFL wide receivers. The Cowboys also indicated they may use their 12th overall pick in the upcoming draft to select a new receiver.