George Pickens Signing $27.3 Million Tag Contract 'In His Best Interest,' Jerry Jones Says

Many observers are still coming to terms with the Dallas Cowboys' decision to end contract talks with receiver George Pickens, which means he'll play on the franchise tag in 2026.

The good-news update from inside The Star this week? Pickens is signing that deal ... which Cowboys owner Jerry Jones insists is a fine one for all involved.

Said Jones of getting Pickens' signature: "Based on what's his his best interest, it doesn't surprise me at all ... It's in his best interest for the rest of his life to come in here and have the greatest season with Dak Prescott and pick up $27 million on his way on the side. Go out there and set himself up."

He's set to make $27.3 million guaranteed on the tag, and that is indeed a nice payday for Pickens.

But ... surely he ideally wants a long-term deal done. And that might still occur. ... it apparently just won't be this offseason if/when it happens.

By announcing before this NFL Draft that they have no intention of negotiating a lengthy contract with Pickens, the Cowboys opened themselves up to a lot of rumors, speculation, and headlines.

Maybe that's just as Jerry Jones wanted it.

Or maybe the rumors never made much sense.

Said COO Stephen Jones late Thursday: “We have no intention of moving George. In our mind, we’re fired up about it, that he’s ready to come in here and sign his tender. ... So far, everything has been outstanding, our communication with George, coach (Brian) Schottenheimer, Jerry (Jones). Our communication with (Pickens’ agent) David Mulugheta has been very cordial and upbeat.

"So we have every reason in the world to believe that hopefully he’s ready to go to work. But we have zero intention of moving George Pickens.”

We all saw some "experts'' attach Arizona State receiver Jordyn Tyson to the Cowboys recently, and it was known how much Dallas likes the speedy 6-2 weapon.

But even in a hypothetical game, the floated ideas were unlikely to work.

Say Tyson (who ended up going to New Orleans at pick No. 8) was still on the board at No. 12. Could Dallas have selected him and recinded the tag on Pickens, thus freeing up the $27.3 million in cap space that would have been occupied by the tag?

So, give Pickens away for nothing? Why?

Or ...

Say Dallas wanted to trade Pickens in order to gain a selection to use on Tyson. That would have required Pickens to sign the tag tender (check). And it would have meant Dallas' trade partner would need to be drafting ahead of (check). And it would mean that the trade partner not only wants to give up the pick, but is also ready to create that coveted long-term contract (say, four years and $140 million) for him (ummm ... no check).

In that scenario - if Pickens and Tyson are "equal'' - why wouldn't the other team simply keep its pick and use it on Tyson?

The 2026 season around here needs to be about winning. You take Pickens away from the offense, and you're left with CeeDee Lamb doing the heavy-lifting, while Ryan Flournoy and a rookie receiver (Tyson) picking up the slack.

So ... back to reality.

As always, the Cowboys essentially hold all the cards here.

Hey, maybe they trade him at some point in the future. Or maybe they tag him a second time in 2027. Or maybe his performance and his behavior are so stellar in 2026 that he get a "Cowboy for Life'' deal.

But for now?

Granted, if Pickens does hold out for any stretch of time, even in the summer, the Dallas offense would figure to suffer from his absence. At the same time, the negative perception of him and his baggage - what got the Steelers to trade him to Dallas a year ago - might be fortified by him not showing up for work.

The Cowboys are hedging their bets on that behavior and are being honest. They let Pickens and his agent know about their intentions, so there is clarity there.

Said Jerry: “We really like him. And I’m telling you right now, we can go, and we can live with two big-time (expensive) receivers. It’s hard (to pay CeeDee Lamb and Pickens) with the salary cap), but we can live with two big-time receivers for the long haul.”

And as far as what's "best for'' Pickens? Jerry Jones thinks there is clarity there as well.