George Pickens trade should happen even after signing franchise tag with Cowboys

If there was any concern as to why wide receiver George Pickens had not signed his franchise tag with the Dallas Cowboys, it can officially be put to bed. The Cowboys announced on Wednesday that Pickens has officially signed his franchise tender, locking in a $27.3 million salary for the 2026 season.

Now that Pickens has signed it, the focus turns to what happens next.

What is George Pickens future with Dallas Cowboys?

The most likely and logical outcome is that Pickens plays the 2026 season with the Cowboys and goes into free agency next offseason. The Cowboys have already said they do not intend to negotiate a long-term contract extension with Pickens in 2026, indicating this could be a one-year situation.

In the short-term, there is some potential benefit there for the Cowboys.

Pickens playing in a contract year could result in an extra-motivated player and a potentially big season as he tries to play for a contract next spring.