The Dallas Cowboys have put the NFL draft in the books, and are now quickly moving on to the start of voluntary team workouts, which open on Monday at The Star. While it was no surprise that quarterback Dak Prescott was the first to arrive, the big lingering question is whether star wide receiver George Pickens shows up–these are voluntary workouts–and if he does, will he sign the franchise tag contract that the Cowboys have put before him?
It’s been reported, of course, that Pickens intends to sign the tag deal, worth one year and $27.3 million, rather than continue to hold out for a long-term deal. That was probably the right course of action, given that the team pretty much holds all the cards in the Pickens situation.
But it remains to be seen how Pickens chooses to approach the Cowboys’ offseason workouts, as ESPN’s Todd Archer pointed out.
He wrote on Twitter/X: “Cowboys official voluntary offseason program begins today. Dak Prescott in the building. Does George Pickens sign the franchise tag tender today?”
Cowboys And George Pickens Had Eventful Week
It was certainly an eventful week for Pickens and the Cowboys last week, despite the fact that nothing tangible actually happened. The team made clear to Pickens and his agent, David Mulugheta of Athletes First, that there would be no further negotiations on a long-term deal, and that the team expected Pickens to sign the franchise tag and play under that contract.
Thus, Pickens went ahead and did the inevitable: He agreed to sign the franchise tag offer from the team effectively ending his free agency and ends the threat of a holdout.
No George Pickens Trade Coming
It did not, though, end the possibility of a trade. And for much of the run-up to last week’s NFL draft, that was the conversation around Pickens, the fourth-year breakout star in 2025 who notched 93 catches for 1,429 yards on the season, No. 3 in the NFL–that signing the tag was a prelude to a trade.
But again, the Cowboys put out that fire pretty quickly.
âWe have no intention of moving George Pickens,â team VP Stephen Jones said . âWeâre fired up about him signing his [tag], because it means heâs ready to come in here and get to work. ⦠We have zero intention of moving [him].â
Dak Prescott Eager to Get Cowboys Receivers Back on the Field
Few would be happier about a peaceful Pickens return than Prescott. The Cowboys threw for 4,527 yards last year, which was No. 2 in the NFL and had the No. 4-rated offense in the league, according to Pro Football Focus. Thatâs in large part thanks to the presence of the duo of Pickens and CeeDee Lamb, two of the best receivers in the league.
But the prospect of not having Pickens on board for the offseason program was daunting, and Prescott has hoped to get ahead of that by nudging Pickens to sign the tag and re-enter free agency next season.
Speaking earlier this month, Prescott said, âThis is the first real offseason of George being a part of, and he has showed up, he has been active, he has looked great. Super-excited. Leaving all those contract talks and all that to the front office.â
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