Pickens enjoyed a breakout 2025 season with 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns, stepping up when CeeDee Lamb was intermittently unavailable. Despite Lamb’s own lucrative contract, Dallas opted to keep Pickens on the one-year, $27.3 million franchise tag to maintain leverage while negotiations continue. As of now, Pickens has not signed the franchise tag, creating some uncertainty about his future with the Cowboys and prompting ongoing scrutiny of the team’s long-term plans.
Key takeaways:
– Cowboys drafted seven players in 2026, led by Caleb Downs and Malachi Lawrence, while preparing to address Pickens’ contract.
– George Pickens has not signed the franchise tag, leaving his 2026 status unresolved despite initial expectations.
– Pickens’ 2025 breakout season (93 receptions, 1,429 yards, 9 TDs) validates Dallas’ investment, but a long-term deal remains uncertain beyond the 2026 season.
