HOW GEORGE PICKENS REACTED TO GETTING FRANCHISE TAG FROM COWBOYS: A FRESH CHAPTER IN DALLAS

The Dallas Cowboys have officially placed the franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens for the 2026 season, ensuring that one of their top playmakers will remain in Dallas for at least another year.

This move comes as no surprise to fans or analysts, as the Cowboys had been expected to use the franchise tag on Pickens, whose breakout season in Dallas had earned him widespread recognition across the league. The 23-year-old receiver was traded to the Cowboys from the Pittsburgh Steelers last season, and after an outstanding performance, the team is clearly eager to keep him on their roster.

Cowboys Secure Pickens for 2026: The Franchise Tag is Official

On Friday, the Dallas Cowboys made it official: they have franchise tagged George Pickens for the upcoming 2026 season. This move locks down Pickens for at least one more year before the team can engage in long-term contract negotiations, likely next offseason. Pickens, who put together a career-best season in 2025, will now earn approximately $28 million in the coming year under the franchise tag, according to Spotrac.

The Cowboys had been hinting at this move for weeks, and now it’s official. With Pickens secured for 2026, the team can focus on other roster moves and the future while enjoying the contributions of one of the league’s rising stars.

Pickens’ Reaction: “On Cloud 9” About Staying in Dallas

In an interview at the NFL Combine on Friday, Cowboys co-owner Stephen Jones shared some exciting news about George Pickens’ reaction to the franchise tag. According to Jones, Pickens was “fired up” when he received the news from Cowboys owner Jerry Jones during a phone call.

“He was fired up that he wasn’t going to be going anywhere,” Stephen Jones told NFL Network’s Rich Eisen, per Jon Machota of The Athletic. “He was very fired up about his future with us. We felt like he wanted to be in Dallas. He certainly said that to Jerry. Jerry just said he was on cloud nine that he was gonna be a Cowboy again.”

For Pickens, who had spent his first few seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the franchise tag came as a sign that the Cowboys were committed to keeping him around, and he expressed his excitement about staying in Dallas. This move shows that Pickens feels wanted by the team, and he’s ready to continue his stellar career with the Cowboys for another year.

A Career-Best Year: Pickens’ Impact in 2025

The decision to franchise tag George Pickens comes after a career-best 2025 season, where he cemented himself as a key player for the Cowboys’ offense. After being traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pickens quickly formed a strong connection with Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and became an integral part of the team’s aerial attack.

Pickens was a revelation in his first year with the Cowboys, finishing with impressive career-highs in receptions (93), receiving yards (1,429), and receiving touchdowns (nine). His incredible production earned him his first career Pro Bowl nod, and he finished third in receiving yards among all wide receivers during the regular season. His ability to stretch the field and make big plays down the field gave the Cowboys an added dimension to their offense.

Dak Prescott and Pickens quickly formed a strong rapport, and the receiver’s performance was one of the bright spots in the team’s 2025 season. As the Cowboys move forward into 2026, Pickens’ presence will be key to maintaining offensive success.

Looking Ahead: Pickens’ Future in Dallas

Although the franchise tag keeps Pickens in Dallas for 2026, it’s likely that both sides will engage in discussions about a long-term contract next offseason. For now, the Cowboys can enjoy Pickens’ explosive playmaking ability, which gives the team a legitimate deep threat alongside other talented receivers on the roster.

As Dallas gears up for another Super Bowl push in 2026, George Pickens will be a central figure in their offensive plans. His combination of size, speed, and ability to make highlight-reel catches has made him one of the most exciting young receivers in the NFL. The next year will offer a chance for Pickens to solidify his legacy in Dallas and make a strong case for a long-term deal.

Cowboys fans can look forward to another season of Pickens’ dynamic play, while the team will continue to assess how to retain the receiver for the long haul as he enters the prime of his career.

The Cowboys’ Commitment to Winning

The decision to franchise tag Pickens also signals Dallas’ commitment to maintaining a competitive roster. The Cowboys have always been a team that prides itself on having a strong roster, and keeping Pickens is part of the strategy to stay competitive in a highly competitive NFC.

With Pickens, CeeDee Lamb, and other talented players on offense, Dallas is positioning itself to be a force in the league for years to come. As 2026 approaches, Cowboys fans can be excited to see how Pickens’ impact will continue to elevate the team’s offensive capabilities, and how the franchise will look to lock him down for the long term in the near future.

In conclusion, George Pickens’ reaction to the Dallas Cowboys franchise tag shows just how much he values being a part of the team and the city. With a career-best season behind him, Pickens is poised to continue making an impact on the field as Dallas works to keep its rising star on a long-term deal. Cowboys fans can rest easy knowing their Pro Bowl wide receiver will be back for another season, making big plays and further solidifying his place in the team’s future.