Cowboys say they won’t talk long-term deal with George Pickens

FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys will not hold contract negotiations regarding a long-term deal with wide receiver George Pickens, according to executive vice president Stephen Jones.

The Cowboys informed Pickens’ agent, David Mulugheta, of their decision last week, hoping to end questions about an extension expected to be completed by July 15.

Dallas placed the $27.3 million non-exclusive franchise tag on Pickens in March. The last time the Cowboys signed a player marked for the first time in an overtime was wide receiver Dez Bryant in 2015.

Since then, the Cowboys have seen quarterback Dak Prescott, defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, tight end Dalton Schultz and running back Tony Pollard play one season with the same title. The Cowboys reached long-term deals with Prescott and Lawrence after using the tag a second time. Schultz and Pollard left via free agency after their only season under that label.

“We’re so excited to have George on this football team,” Jones said Wednesday during the Cowboys’ preliminary press conference. “Obviously, he’s been here for a year. We gave him a third-round pick, and he’s definitely made huge strides in the year he’s been here. I think he’d be the first to tell you it’s a great situation for him to play with CeeDee. [Lamb] and Dak and Coach [Brian] Schottenheimer’s offensive. He likes Coach Schottenheimer and what he brings. But it’s definitely a conscious decision we made.”

Speaking at the NFL’s annual meeting last month, owner and general manager Jerry Jones said the Cowboys have “long-term plans” for Pickens, but all they will be guaranteed now is the 2026 season. The Cowboys could use the franchise tag on Pickens in 2027, which would cost them about $32.7 million, or strike a long-term deal next year. If Pickens were to leave, the Cowboys would receive a 2028 compensatory pick.

Last May, the Cowboys acquired Pickens and a 2027 sixth-round pick from the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick. He responded with the best year of his career, setting career highs in catches (93), yards (1,429) and touchdowns (9).

Prescott is the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL at $60 million per year, while Lamb is the fourth-highest paid receiver at $34 million per year.

“I mean, let’s start with the fact that it’s not easy having two receivers paid at the top of the market,” Stephen Jones said. “I mean, it’s obviously a stretch, especially when you have other great players on your team. A quarterback who’s been here, being the highest-paid player in this league for many years now. Certainly, that’s part of it.

“The other thing is the newness of George here. I think George has just done an incredible job. I mean, he’s exceeded all expectations, I think, [of] anyone, otherwise we wouldn’t have gotten a third round pick. So that’s a plus. And a lot of these things are heading towards a long-term deal, but that’s the most important part – between the activity and the newness, I think that’s a big part of it. »

Jones said the conversation with Mulugheta lasted five to 10 minutes and was “super cordial,” but the Cowboys have no guarantee Pickens will show up for any of the offseason programs, which begin next week at the Star. To participate, Pickens would have to sign the RFP, which he did not do.

Mulugheta also represents Micah Parsons, who the Cowboys traded last year to the Green Bay Packers after contentious contract negotiations.

Last year, Jerry Jones said he and Parsons came to an agreement on a deal that would have made Parsons the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL. When Mulugheta balked at the deal, talks between the parties cooled and never really resumed.

Schottenheimer said he would talk with Pickens to see if he would show up at least for the first few days, like Parsons did a year ago, when the Cowboys will go through team-building programs. Without signing the RFP, it’s unclear whether Pickens could be in the building even as a spectator.

“The one thing I like about George is George likes honesty, and that’s what we are,” Schottenheimer said. “It’s not just because his name is George Pickens and he’s a great player. We do this to undrafted free agents, and it gives you the best chance to make sure you’re all on the same page.”

Pickens participated in throwing sessions away from the Star with Prescott and other receivers during the offseason. Schottenheimer doesn’t believe the offensive’s development in his second year will suffer if Pickens isn’t present for organized team activities, minicamp and the start of training camp.

“We won’t let it. Dak Prescott won’t allow it. Dak Prescott and the leadership of all these guys, including George, want to be great,” Schottenheimer said. “They know our goals. They know where we’re going. The job will get done.”

Schottenheimer said having a key offensive player on a contract year would not impact his play choice.

“Like Stephen said, there are different scenarios that these guys play in,” Schottenheimer said. “They love football, football. George is no different. We’re excited to have George here, and we hope he has another great year and he’s a big part of the success we had last year and that’s not going to change.”