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By Cole Sullivan
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The Dallas Cowboys made a controversial decision this offseason by placing the franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens following a historic season. While the tag comes with a hefty payday for the 2026 season, it offers little long-term security as a one-year deal worth roughly $27 million.
That said, Pickens is seeking a long-term contract, and until that happens, he could hold out during the offseason program — something that has become common with franchise-tagged stars. While that doesn’t necessarily mean he would miss training camp or the start of the season, it could still become an unnecessary distraction for a team that can’t afford one.
Despite the speculation, owner Jerry Jones, who is in Arizona for league-wide meetings this week, made it clear the team intends to lock up Pickens long-term.
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"We have contact with the agent, but we haven't been," Jones said when asked if they’ve been in touch with Pickens’ agent.
When asked whether he believes a deal will be done before the deadline, Jones added, "I don't know. The franchise tag has an automatic timeframe on it, and all of us — and it's my plan — will be working within that timeframe. It should play itself out. Make no mistake about it, we have long-term plans for [George] Pickens."
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These comments from Jones didn’t sit well with NFL fans, many of whom believe he’s beating around the bush when discussing Pickens’ contract situation.
"He does this gimmick every offseason," one fan said.
Another added, "Jerry Jones said long-term plans… Cowboys fans have heard this before. Show us with wins, not words."
"Then sign him. This is going to be all offseason, like always," another wrote.
"And here we go… Jerry Jones season has begun," one more fan commented.
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Pickens hauled in 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns last season in his first year with Dallas after being traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The production was certainly there in a contract year, which may have put the Cowboys in a tougher spot than they anticipated this offseason, given how dominant he was.
Now, Jones will have to make a decision. He can re-sign Pickens to a long-term deal, tying up money that could be used elsewhere — especially on a defense that struggled last season — leave him on the franchise tag and hope he plays under it, or trade him for what would likely be a strong return, though that wouldn’t sit well in Dallas.
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