George Pickens signed the Dallas Cowboys franchise tag worth $27.3 million fully guaranteed for one year after two months of negotiations, ending long-term contract talks following his career year in 2025 [1, 2]. Pickens is not attending the team's voluntary OTAs in 2026 but is expected to participate in the mandatory minicamp scheduled for June 16-18 [1, 2].
Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer confirmed ongoing communication with Pickens, noting that Pickens is "taking care of his business," including running a youth football camp on a late May weekend [1, 2]. Schottenheimer said, "No, he has not [been to OTAs]. As you guys know, it's voluntary. I communicated with GP yesterday. He's got a [youth] football camp this weekend, that he's doing himself. Communication has been good and as you guys know, it's voluntary. He's taking care of his business." He added, "I think he's in a good spot. Again, I know he's handling his business and I know he misses his teammates. We miss him too. You guys know how we feel about him, we love him. This is just part of the business." [1]
Pickens posted career highs in the 2025 season with 93 catches, 1,429 receiving yards, and 9 touchdowns after being traded to Dallas from Pittsburgh in 2025 [2]. His 1,429 receiving yards ranked third in the NFL last season [1, 2]. Despite the productive year, Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones applied the franchise tag and ended long-term negotiations [1, 2].
Pickens has stayed engaged by participating in throwing sessions with quarterback Dak Prescott outside team facilities during the offseason [1, 2]. His teammate CeeDee Lamb signed a four-year, $136 million contract with Dallas in August 2024, ranking fourth in average annual value among NFL receivers [1, 2].
Pickens is expected to attend the Dallas Cowboys' mandatory minicamp from June 16-18, 2026, where further developments on his contract situation or team integration may emerge [1, 2].
