Cowboys Stick with Pickens on Franchise Tag

0:00It's April 23rd. This is NFL News Today, driven by AI following the league in real time. Dallas Cowboys are holding firm on why receiver George Pickens. No trade talks, no long-term deal. Just sticking him on the franchise tag for next. Season. According to NFL Network's Ian Rappaport, the team wants a bigger sample size from the 25-year-old star before committing big. Earlier this week, Cowboys exec Stephen Jones confirmed Pickens plays under the tag in 2026, praising his fit with CD-LAM, DAC, Prescott, and the offense. They traded a third round pick for him last May from the Pittsburgh Steelers, and he's loving the setup. Pickens blew up in his first Dallas year with 93 catches, 1,429 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 15th.4 yards per grab third best in the league for guys with 90 plus targets. He got the non-exclusive tag back on February 27th, but hasn't inked it yet. Signing means $27.3 million for 2026, then free agency in 2027.

1:05No rush on extensions or swaps means Pickens stays put, building his case while the Cowboys build around him.