🚨 COWBOYS FACING POTENTIAL DRAMA WITH GEORGE PICKENS: FRANCHISE TAG AND HOLDOUT RISK AHEAD 👇

As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for the 2026 offseason, the attention shifts from the contract saga surrounding Micah Parsons last year to the potential drama involving Pro Bowl wide receiver George Pickens. With the deadline to apply the franchise tag looming, Pickens is expected to be tagged by the Cowboys, locking him in for the 2026 season with a hefty $28 million salary. However, this move could spark a holdout, as Pickens may skip the offseason program and potentially even training camp, adding another layer of complexity to the Cowboys’ preparations.

Franchise Tag Looms for Pickens

Pickens, a key playmaker for the Cowboys, is set to receive the franchise tag by the upcoming Tuesday deadline. This tag would guarantee him $28 million for the 2026 season, but it would also limit his ability to negotiate a long-term deal unless both parties can come to terms by July 15. While the franchise tag ensures Pickens’ services for at least one more year, it also leaves room for uncertainty.

The Cowboys have scheduled meetings with Pickens’ representatives at the NFL Combine, but with the franchise tag all but guaranteed, it remains to be seen whether the two sides can reach a multiyear agreement before the mid-July deadline. Without a contract, Pickens wouldn’t face fines for skipping the offseason program or training camp, which raises the possibility of him holding out if a long-term deal isn’t finalized.

Coach Schottenheimer’s Calm Approach

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer is staying calm in the face of the contract uncertainty, as he has experienced similar situations before. Schottenheimer expressed confidence that the situation would play out as it should, noting that it’s simply part of the business side of the NFL.

“This is going to play out the way it’s supposed to play out,” Schottenheimer said at the NFL Combine. “GP loves football. And my relationship with GP doesn’t change. Just like it didn’t change with CeeDee [Lamb] or Dak [Prescott] or those guys who were going through certain things. It’s all part of the process. It’s the business side of it. Hell, I was talking to CeeDee last night. It doesn’t change.”

Schottenheimer’s calm demeanor is crucial as he navigates these negotiations, emphasizing that his relationship with Pickens is strong and that the process is simply a business matter.

Will Pickens Stay Long-Term?

When asked about the long-term future of George Pickens with the Cowboys, Schottenheimer said, “I hope so.” This reflects the uncertainty surrounding the receiver’s future beyond the 2026 season. While the Cowboys are hopeful that they can lock up Pickens for the long haul, they must first navigate the challenges of securing a long-term deal and managing his expectations for the future.

The franchise tag guarantees that Pickens will remain with the Cowboys for at least one more year, but without an extension, the future remains up in the air. Given Pickens’ impact on the field, securing his services for the long term would be a major win for the Cowboys, but that will require a solid negotiation with the wide receiver.

The Parsons Comparison: A Potential Holdout

This situation echoes last year’s contract saga with linebacker Micah Parsons, who had a hold-in during training camp after expressing dissatisfaction with his contract situation. While Parsons ultimately was dealt to the Green Bay Packers ahead of the season, his absence and holdout created additional uncertainty heading into the year. Schottenheimer is no stranger to these types of situations and has previously addressed the need for players like Parsons to be more involved in the offseason program.

Schottenheimer’s approach with Pickens may follow a similar trajectory, with the hope that the receiver will be present for the mandatory portions of the offseason program, including training camp. However, with Pickens yet to sign the franchise tag, it’s unclear whether he will report on time or take a more cautious approach, as we saw with Parsons in 2025.

The Risk of Missing Training Camp

While Pickens would not face fines for skipping the voluntary parts of the offseason, his absence from training camp could impact his readiness for the season. The Cowboys will need Pickens to be fully prepared for the 2026 campaign, especially considering his pivotal role in the offense. A holdout would not only affect his physical preparation but could also cause friction between him and the coaching staff, as the team would have to adjust to a potential absence.

The Cowboys can only do so much to mitigate the risk of a holdout, and while Schottenheimer remains hopeful that Pickens will return to the field with a positive attitude, the situation will need to be resolved before training camp begins.

Looking Ahead: The Cowboys’ 2026 Offseason Plans

The uncertainty surrounding Pickens’ contract situation is just one piece of the puzzle for the Cowboys as they prepare for the 2026 season. With a number of key players on the roster, including Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, the Cowboys will need to ensure that they maintain a healthy and cohesive locker room as they aim for a Super Bowl run. Pickens, as one of the top receivers on the roster, will play an essential role in the offense, and getting him signed to a long-term deal would be crucial for the team’s success.

Schottenheimer will need to balance player expectations, contract negotiations, and team chemistry as the offseason progresses. The Cowboys have a lot of work to do in securing key pieces of the roster for the future, and Pickens’ contract situation is one of the most pressing issues they’ll face.

Conclusion: A Key Moment in Pickens’ Cowboys Future

The next few weeks will be crucial for George Pickens and the Cowboys. As the franchise tag deadline approaches, the team will need to work quickly to either get a long-term deal in place or prepare for a possible holdout. Schottenheimer and the Cowboys are hopeful that Pickens will continue to be a central part of their offensive plans, but how this situation plays out will shape the team’s direction moving forward.

With the possibility of a holdout and the need for a resolution, the Cowboys’ front office will have to navigate these challenges carefully. While Pickens’ commitment to the game remains strong, it’s clear that both sides must come to an agreement soon if they hope to avoid any further complications before the 2026 season begins.