Cowboys say they won't talk long-term deal with George Pickens - ESPN

FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys will not hold contract talks regarding a long-term deal with their franchise-tagged wide receiver George Pickens, according to executive vice president Stephen Jones.

The Cowboys informed Pickens' agent, David Mulugheta, of their decision last week, hoping to put to rest the questions of an extension that would need to be completed by July 15.

The Cowboys placed the nonexclusive, $27.3 million franchise tag on Pickens in March. The last time the Cowboys signed a player tagged for the first time to an extension was wide receiver Dez Bryant in 2015.

Since then, the Cowboys have seen quarterback Dak Prescott, defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, tight end Dalton Schultz and running back Tony Pollard play a season on the tag. The Cowboys reached long-term deals with Prescott and Lawrence after they used the tag for a second time. Schultz and Pollard left via free agency after their one season under the tag.

«We're so fired up to have George on this football team,» Jones said at the Cowboys pre-draft news conference. «Obviously, he's been here for a year. We gave up a third-round pick for him and certainly he's made tremendous progress in the year he's been here. I think he'd be the first to tell you this is a great situation for him, playing with CeeDee [Lamb] and Dak and in Coach Schottenheimer's offense. He loves coach Schottenheimer and what he brings to the table. But certainly, a conscious decision that we've made.»

Speaking from the NFL's annual meeting last month, owner and general manager Jerry Jones said the Cowboys have, «long-term plans,» for Pickens, but all they will be guaranteed now is the 2026 season. The Cowboys could use the franchise tag on Pickens in 2027, which would cost