The deadline has passed for NFL players on the franchise tag to sign a long-term deal with their current teams, meaning wide receiver George Pickens is expected to be a Dallas Cowboy for at least one more season. Pickens signed a $27.3 million fully guaranteed deal back in April to remain with the C owboys for one more season. Pickens’ contract cannot be extended until after the Cowboys’ Week 18 game against the Washington Commanders in January 2027. Pickens is the only player in the league who was franchise-tagged but did not receive a longer extension. Pickens skipped voluntary workouts this offseason but showed up for mandatory minicamp last month, promising he would not be holding out of training camp or the regular season. The team had already announced before camp that they would not be negotiating a longer deal with Pickens or trading him. The team has said publicly that they hope Pickens is a Cowboy long-term. The Cowboys could technically tag Pickens again next offseason. If they did so, Pickens would automatically receive a 20% raise, bringing his salary to about $32.8m, according to the Cowboys. Pickens spoke to reporters on the first day of minicamp and appeared to be at peace with how the negotiation — or lack thereof — had gone. He reiterated his only wish: to win a Super Bowl and his ambition to do it with the Cowboys while he’s here. As for the business side of things, Pickens didn’t vocalize any frustration. “The game is going to be the game,” Pickens said. “Money is kind of tagged to it.” Pickens had a breakout season for the Cowboys in 2025, setting career highs in catches (93), touchdowns (nine) and yards (1,429). He finished third in the NFL in receiving yards and earned his first Pro Bowl honor. Pickens is also only 25 years old. If he can replicate his success from this past season, then he could increase his value, whether it’s on the open market or on a second-consecutive franchise tag. Click here to read more on this report from our partners at The Dallas Morning News. ...read more read less