Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens is set to play the 2026 season under the franchise tag after the NFL deadline for franchise-tagged players to reach multiyear contract extensions passed Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET. According to reports cited by multiple outlets, Pickens remains on the franchise tag rather than signing a long-term agreement before the deadline. One report says he will be the only Cowboys player to play the 2026 season under the franchise tag, while another report specifies the projected tag value for 2026.
CBS Sports reports that the franchise tag number is about $27.3 million for the 2026 season. The Athletic notes the deadline outcome and that Pickens is the lone franchise-tagged player for 2026 in this situation, but both accounts agree that no multiyear extension is reached by the required time. Pickens therefore will play the 2026 season under the terms of the franchise designation rather than an extended contract.
