Cowboys Place Franchise Tag on George Pickens, Pivot to Long-Term Negotiations

The Dallas Cowboys have officially applied the franchise tag to wide receiver George Pickens, setting the stage for intensive talks on a multi-year contract. The move, announced Monday afternoon, secures Pickens’ rights for the 2025 season while both sides work toward a lengthier agreement.

By using the tag, Dallas prevents the 23-year-old pass-catcher from reaching free agency when the new league year opens next week. Front-office executives now turn their attention to the negotiating table, aiming to lock in Pickens—acquired via trade last offseason—before the July deadline for franchise-tagged players to sign extensions.

Pickens quickly emerged as a focal point of the Cowboys’ aerial attack after arriving from Pittsburgh, providing quarterback Dak Prescott with a reliable deep threat and red-zone target. Retaining him has been labeled a top priority as the franchise looks to maintain continuity on offense.

The one-year tender guarantees Pickens a salary commensurate with the top five receivers in the league, but both parties have expressed optimism that a long-term pact can be hammered out. Dallas has a history of eventually converting franchise tags into lucrative deals, and team sources indicate talks are expected to intensify in the coming days.

Cowboys fans will monitor negotiations closely; securing Pickens beyond 2025 would remove a significant question mark heading into draft season and allow the front office to address other roster needs with both cap space and peace of mind.