The Cowboys are about to have a very expensive receivers room.
With CeeDee Lamb already owning one of the richest contracts in the NFL at his position, wide receiver George Pickens is expected to have the franchise tag placed on him for the 2026 season, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Saturday night.
In his first season with Dallas after playing for three years in Pittsburgh, the 24-year-old Pickens posted career highs with 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns in 17 games last season.
The projected franchise tag at wide receiver for 2026 is expected to be around $28 million and can be applied to Pickens between Feb. 17 and March 3, but the sides still could attempt to negotiate a long-term deal.
“I’m talking to George all the time by virtue of my excitement for him,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones recently told the team website. “He’s better than, as far as what he contributed to our team, showing the potential that he could contribute. I’m looking forward to getting things worked out so George can be a Cowboy for a long time.”
Lamb signed a four-year extension worth $136 million in 2024, making him one of the highest-paid receivers in the league.
Pickens, defensive lineman Jadeveon Clowney and running back Javonte Williams are among 15 unrestricted free agents on the Dallas roster entering the offseason.
“I think it must be done,” quarterback Dak Prescott said of the Pickens negotiations earlier this week. “I think obviously from Jerry to everybody down understands that, and one the impact on this offense and the team and the great player that he is. We’ve got to find a way to keep him here.”
