George Pickens is signing on the dotted line in Dallas.
The Dallas Cowboys star receiver has signed the franchise tag, according to multiple reports. The tag will pay him $27.2 million for the 2026 season.
More importantly, Pickens is now officially under contract and can be traded at any time. The Cowboys haven't announced their intentions, but the timing is certainly interesting.
Pickens signed the deal just one day after Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones made headlines at the team's pre-draft press conference on April 22. Jones told the media that there would be no negotiations on a long-term deal for the receiver, who would have to play on the franchise tag.
"We've made a decision that we're gonna have George play under the franchise tag, which won't be a first for us," Jones said. "So there won't be negotiations on a long-term deal. That's certainly not a first for this organization and certainly won't be a first in the league."
"Whether it's Dak Prescott, who played under one and got tagged a second time," Jones added. "Whether it's [DeMarcus Lawrence], whether it's Tony Pollard, we've certainly had those situations. We're so fired up to have George on this football team. Obviously he's been here for a year and we gave up a third-round pick for him and certainly, he's made tremendous progress."
1. Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana2. New York Jets – David Bailey, DE/OLB, Texas Tech
3. Arizona Cardinals – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
4. Tennessee Titans – Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State
7. Washington Commanders – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
8. New Orleans Saints – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
9. Kansas City Chiefs – Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)
10. New York Giants (from Cincinnati Bengals) – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
11. Miami Dolphins – Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (Fla.)
13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn
16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) – Makai Lemon, WR, USC
19. Carolina Panthers – Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
22. Los Angeles Chargers – Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami (Fla.)