Will Cowboys' George Pickens Play On Franchise Tag In 2026?

Will Cowboys' George Pickens Play On Franchise Tag In 2026?

The biggest question for the Dallas Cowboys and their fans is whether George Pickens will sign his franchise tag or not.

We thought that prior to the draft, Pickens had signed his $27.3 million franchise tag, but it was quickly made known that George reportedly told the Cowboys he would sign it.

And nearly a week later, the tag remains unsigned.

That has led to a chorus of speculation about Pickens' future, with ESPN's Adam Schefter seemingly making things up, claiming George wants a trade.

But when you have one of your star players dangling out there like this, it opens you up to a host of different scenarios.

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Of course, it could simply be that Pickens is content with signing the tag, but won't until it gets closer to training camp, as he won't have to attend the offseason workouts or OTAs (he likely won't participate anyway).

But fans are now concerned that Pickens won't sign his tag, and what that could do for the Cowboys in 2026.

However, as ESPN's Dan Graziano states, the expectation is that Pickens signs the tag, while also offering a possible explanation for why George would do it.

"The key thing to understand about the George Pickens situation, is he going to play on the franchise tag? The answer might still be yes," Graziano said on ESPN's GetUp. "We have not heard from the player. A year ago it was a Micah Parsons situation, God bless him, he lets us know everything he's thinking. We haven't heard anything from George Pickens.

"One of the possible outcomes here is that he was told by the Cowboys it's franchise tag or nothing, and he goes, OK, fine, I'll show up, and I'll show 'em, but the expectation is that he shows up and plays on the tag."