Cowboys' Pickens Signs $27.3M Franchise Tender

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens signed his one-year franchise tender worth $27.3 million on Wednesday, resolving uncertainty over his participation in the team's offseason program and ensuring his availability for mandatory minicamp and training camp.

The 25-year-old Pro Bowler, acquired by Dallas in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers last year, informed the Cowboys of his decision to sign the tag just before the NFL draft began last week. Executive vice president Stephen Jones had stated a day earlier that the team had no plans to negotiate a long-term contract with Pickens this offseason, fueling brief trade speculation. By accepting the fully guaranteed tender, Pickens secures a significant payday compared to the $6.8 million he earned over four seasons on his rookie deal after being selected in the second round out of Georgia in 2022.

Pickens posted career highs last season with 93 receptions, 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, thriving alongside star receiver CeeDee Lamb in an offense that ranked among the league's best. The Cowboys, however, endured a challenging year with one of the NFL's weakest defenses, finishing 7-9 and missing the playoffs for...