Latest on George Pickens' Cowboys Contract amid NFL Free Agency After Receiving Franchise Tag

After placing the franchise tag on star receiver George Pickens, the Dallas Cowboys aren't clear on his plans for the offseason.

ESPN's Todd Archer reported that Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said at the annual league meeting in Phoenix on Monday that he "does not have any assurances" that Pickens will be in attendance for the team's offseason program.

"And I haven't pushed that on him," Schottenheimer said. "I mean, again, we're all going through the process. It's almost April. We're still a couple weeks away. It's going to play out the way it plays out. Again, it's all voluntary. We'll see where it goes."

The Cowboys have until July 15 to sign Pickens to a long-term deal, or he will play the 2026 season on the $27.3 million franchise tag before becoming a free agent again in 2027. Archer noted that the Cowboys "have not had discussions with Pickens' representatives regarding a multiyear deal."

Since Pickens didn't receive the exclusive tag, he's free to negotiate a deal with any other team. Dallas would receive two first-round draft picks if he signs with another franchise. However, it sounds like Schottenheimer's preference is to keep the Pro Bowler in the fold.

"Hey look, GP loves it here. We love GP," Schottenheimer said. "We have plans for GP to be here for a long time, so we'll let the business side of this thing play out and see where it goes."