Report: Good chance George Pickens skips Cowboys offseason program if he gets tagged

George Pickens is a strong candidate to receive the franchise tag this offseason, but this could be the start of a potential contract drama between the wide receiver and the Dallas Cowboys. In the event Pickens receives the franchise tag this offseason, there’s a good chance he won’t show up for the Cowboys’ offseason program, the Dallas Morning News reported Sunday. However, Cowboys co-owner, executive vice president and CEO Stephen Jones reiterated to the Dallas Morning News that Pickens must report to the team this offseason, even if he receives the franchise tag. “We still want guys here,” Jones told the Dallas Morning News. “We have already franchised players, we obviously want him to work here with the team. That will be sorted out in the coming weeks.” The deadline for the Cowboys to potentially use the franchise tag on Pickens opened last week, and the team has until March 3 to determine whether it wants to do so. It was reported earlier in February that the team was expected to tag Pickens, but could potentially trade him. Even if Dallas awards the franchise tag to Pickens, that doesn’t guarantee he’ll play with the Cowboys in 2026. He’ll still have to sign the one-year deal he gets with the franchise tag. This year, the franchise value for a wide receiver will be approximately $28.8 million, according to Over the Cap. This figure is fully guaranteed. Pickens could also sign an offer sheet with another team, which would allow the Cowboys to either match the offer and keep him, or lose him and receive two first-round picks from the team that signs him. Pickens, who turns 25 in March, had a breakout season in his first year with the Cowboys. He finished eighth in the league in receptions (93), third in receiving yards (1,429), and tied for eighth in receiving touchdowns (nine) in 2025. He was named to the Pro Bowl and earned second-team All-Pro honors. Because of his play, Pickens is widely considered one of the top players set to become a free agent this offseason. In fact, Pickens was ranked No. 1 on FOX Sports’ Top 100 NFL Free Agents list. So if Pickens signs a long-term deal this offseason, it will likely make him one of the highest-paid receivers in the game. Cincinnati Bengals star Ja’Marr Chase became the highest-paid receiver last offseason with a four-year, $161 million contract. NFL free agency will officially open on March 9.