Pickens to play on $27.3M tag as deadline passes

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens will play the 2026 NFL season on the $27.3 million franchise tender after the contract deadline passed on Wednesday without a long-term deal being signed. Pickens, acquired by Dallas, was unable to agree to a new contract before the deadline, making the franchise tag the binding terms for the upcoming season. This means Pickens will earn $27.3 million in 2026 under the one-year tender.