Home / Sports / Cowboys WR George Pickens May Sit Out Season
Cowboys WR George Pickens May Sit Out Season
31 Mar
Summary
- George Pickens had a stellar 2025 season with career highs.
- The Cowboys used the franchise tag on Pickens for the 2026 season.
- Pickens is not expected to sign the tag soon and may miss workouts.
George Pickens recorded a sensational 2025 season for the Dallas Cowboys, achieving career highs in receptions with 93, receiving yards with 1,429, and touchdown receptions with 9. This performance significantly increased his market value as he entered the offseason as a pending free agent.
The Cowboys opted to use the franchise tag to retain Pickens for at least one more year. However, with the current date of March 31, 2026, Pickens has yet to sign the tender. This has raised concerns about his participation in offseason workouts.
NFL insider Adam Schefter shared a concerning update, stating that Pickens is not allowed at the facility without a signed contract and does not anticipate him signing the franchise tag soon. Schefter suggested the situation could extend to the July 15 deadline.
Recent comments from Brian Schottenheimer and Stephen Jones during the NFL owners' meetings appear to support this pessimism. Schottenheimer expressed doubt about Pickens' presence this offseason, while Jones declined to comment.
Despite the drawn-out process, there is a silver lining: the July 15 deadline provides a definitive point for a resolution. If a deal is not reached, Pickens will either play on the tag or sit out, with a full season holdout being unlikely. This suggests closure is expected before training camp, offering a more optimistic outlook compared to previous contract disputes that extended into training camp and preseason.
