Jerry Jones, Cowboys make unfortunate decision after George Pickens news

But following the 2025 NFL season, Pickens saw his four-year, $6,752,179 rookie deal come to an end, making him an unrestricted free agent. Instead of signing him to a long-term contract, the Cowboys elected to place the franchise tag on Pickens, which would pay him nearly $27.3 million in 2026. Still, Jones has made it clear he wants to keep Pickens in Dallas for the long term.

"So often when we've done franchise [tags], we get long-term deals done," Jones said of Pickens. "That's a lot of confidence there. We really get a lot of deals done because we want them to be a part of the future beyond the franchise year for it to be there… There's no question, that's why I'm trying to be real clear: Without a question, this is an expression on our part of what kind of person we think he is, what kind of player we think he is."

However, unfortunately for Pickens, Jones and the Cowboys have not had any contract discussions with the star wide receiver, according to the Dallas Morning News’ Calvin Watkins, leaving Pickens to wait a little longer for a long-term deal.

"When it comes to Pickens," Watkins wrote on X. "No contract talks. He’s been placed under franchise tag $27.2 million. Last we checked Jerry Jones said Pickens wants to be a Cowboy. It seems at this stage Pickens will play under the tag and keep it moving, but so much can change between now and camp."

Still, with the Cowboys placing the franchise tag on Pickens, Prescott will be happy to get his star wide receiver duo back for at least one more year.