No Long-Term Deal Coming for George Pickens

What They're Saying

ESPN's Todd Archer: "[Executive VP] Stephen Jones said the Cowboys will not have contract talks with George Pickens on a long-term deal. They will have him play under the franchise tag in 2026. Ball is in Pickens court as to how he handles that."

2026 Fantasy Football Impact

Ummm ... what?

OK if you don't wind up agreeing to a long-term contract before the mid-July deadline for franchise-tagged players. But to say in April that you won't even talk long-term deal?

Perhaps this comes because the sides have found themselves too far apart on initial discussion, and each just wants a "prove it" year.

That'd be fair on either side. Pickens delivered terrific production in 2025, but that followed an uneven first three seasons and the Steelers dumping him before the end of his rookie deal.

For fantasy purposes, this probably won't matter. We know Pickens will play in Dallas this fall unless the Cowboys trade him.

The thing to watch will be whether Pickens stays away from the team into training camp. He's not required to attend any workouts until he signs the franchise-tag tender, and we've seen plenty of previous player absences under such circumstances.

We'll adjust to that scenario if it plays out. Otherwise, treat Pickens as you normally would in your drafts.