Dak Prescott Gives George Pickens Advice After Cowboys WR Gets Franchise Tag Amid Contract Rumors

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens will play the 2026 season on a franchise tag, something his quarterback knows plenty about.

Dak Prescott, who was franchise tagged ahead of the 2020 season, offered Pickens advice on how to go about the season ahead.

"George loves football. That's the one thing about him," Prescott said. "I just want him to know, don't change your love for football, don't get in the business mind of this.

"You played last year on a one-year for not even that much, right? So if you can go 30 (million) or whatever it is now, that's the same thing I got when I franchised. So, hey, go do it. At the end of the day, bet on yourself. He's a hell of a player. Hopefully, we can get him long-term and sign him, but if not, the way that he plays the game and the person that he is, he'll be just fine."

Pickens, who is coming off his rookie deal, will earn around $28 million for the 2026 while playing on the franchise tag.

Pickens had the best season of his career in 2025, posting 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns. If he can repeat that success in 2026, he should be on his way to a lucrative contract either from the Cowboys or from another team whenever he is able to hit free agency.