Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens took a significant step in his ongoing relationship with the organization by reporting to The Star for his physical on Monday, according to a source. The move comes as a precursor to this week's mandatory minicamp and signals Pickens' intention to participate in team activities despite playing under the franchise tag.
Pickens Playing Under Franchise Tag in 2026
The 25-year-old wide receiver signed his one-year, $27.3 million fully guaranteed franchise tag tender earlier this offseason after the Cowboys made the decision not to pursue a long-term contract extension. Dallas' leadership revealed it will not work on a multiyear extension with Pickens ahead of the July 15 deadline to do so and is content with having the receiver play on the one-year franchise tag.
The decision to have Pickens play on the tag rather than negotiate a long-term deal came after just one season with the Cowboys. The Cowboys acquired Pickens and a 2027 sixth-round pick from the Pittsburgh Steelers last March for a 2026 third-rounder and a 2027 seventh-round selection. Pickens, a former second-round pick, went on to have his most prolific campaign in 2025, generating 93 catches, 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns.
Career Year Leads to Pro Bowl Selection
Pickens' first season in Dallas exceeded expectations on the field. The 25-year-old broke out with a career-best showing in 2025 with his 93 receptions, 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns all tops in his four-year career en route to his first Pro Bowl selection. His performance alongside CeeDee Lamb gave quarterback Dak Prescott one of the league's most dynamic receiving duos.
Pickens set a franchise record with five games of at least 130 yards receiving and a touchdown catch. His 13 catches of at least 25 yards and 73 first-down receptions ranked in the top five in the NFL. The production made him a second-team All-Pro selection and solidified his status as one of the league's premier deep threats.
Cowboys Cite Business Reasons for Tag Decision
Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones addressed the decision to have Pickens play under the franchise tag rather than negotiate a long-term extension. "We've made a decision that we're going to have George Pickens play under the franchise tag, which won't be a first for us. So there won't be negotiations on a long-term deal," Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones told reporters Wednesday.
"The other thing is the newness of George being here. I think George has just done an amazing job. I mean, he's exceeded all expectations, I think, [of] anybody or we wouldn't have gotten for a third-round pick. So that's a plus. And a lot of those things, they make their way toward a long-term deal, but that's the biggest part of it -- between the business and newness of it, I think that's a big part of it."
Uncertainty About Offseason Participation
Prior to Monday's physical, there had been questions about whether Pickens would participate in the Cowboys' offseason program. Jones did not hear from Pickens that he would take part in the voluntary offseason program, mandatory minicamp or even training camp. However, his appearance at The Star for his physical suggests he plans to participate in this week's mandatory minicamp.
Pickens has been part of throwing sessions away from The Star with Prescott and other receivers during the offseason. Schottenheimer does not believe the evolution of the offense in his second year will take a hit if Pickens is not on hand for organized team activities, minicamp and the start of training camp.
What's Next for Pickens and Dallas
The 2026 season represents a pivotal year for both Pickens and the Cowboys. If Pickens posts another excellent season similar to the career-best 93-catch, 1,429-yard, nine-touchdown campaign he logged in 2025, the price for his services will only increase. The Cowboys could use the franchise tag again in 2027, though that would cost significantly more, or work out a long-term deal next offseason.
For now, Pickens' decision to report for his physical ahead of mandatory minicamp signals his commitment to the 2026 season, even if it's not under the long-term contract he desired. With Pickens and Lamb forming one of the NFL's top receiver tandems, the Cowboys' offense should remain explosive as they look to bounce back from their defensive struggles in 2025.
Sources & Original Reporting
