Pickens' Tender Delay: Paperwork Hiccup or Long-Term Talks?

0:00It's April 27. This is NFL News Today, powered by AI, Your Grid Iron Update. I'm Cory with the story. George Pickens was supposed to lock in with the Dallas Cowboys by signing his franchise tender for the 2026 season. That deal comes with $27.3 million guaranteed. But after the NFL draft wrapped up, reports say he still hasn't put pin to paper. Earlier this week on Thursday, April 23, ESPN's Todd Archer shared that a source told Adam Shepter that signing was imminent. It would make sure Pickens shows up for mandatory mini-camp in June and training camp or face-fines. Fans are scratching their heads over the mixed signals and timeline mix-up. Signing the tender is key if the Cowboys ever wanted to trade him, though execs Stephen Jones already ruled that out. The delay has everyone wondering what's holding it up. Archer cleared things up in follow-ups, saying Pickens isn't refusing. He just hasn't signed yet. A long-term extension could still happen even after the tender is official.

1:00For now, this looks like a paperwork hiccup that should sort itself out soon, keeping Pickens in the mix for Dallas without much drama.