George Pickens Could Take Drastic Action Amid Cowboys Standoff

The Dallas Cowboys and star wide receiver George Pickens remain locked in a stalemate after the team placed the franchise tag on wide receiver earlier this offseason.

Pickens is set to make $27.29 million in 2026 if he signs the deal, but he and the club have until July 15 to negotiate a long-term deal. During a press conference on Wednesday, Cowboys COO Stephen Jones made it clear that won’t happen when he said, “There won't be negotiations on a long term deal.”

As the standoff between the two side continues, a new path emerged for Pickens to take if he so chooses.

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ESPN’s Todd Archer floated the possibility of an in-season holdout from Pickens that would still see him accrue a league year and make him eligible for free agency after the 2026 season.

“If he chooses, George Pickens could sit out until Week 10 of the regular season in order to gain an accredited year and hit free agency in 2027. Not sure that would be the best move for him, but it is possible,” Archer said.

While uncertainty surrounding Pickens’ future in Dallas, ESPN’s Adam Schefter revealed the team might have it sights set on former Arizona State star wide receiver Jordyn Tyson.

“And the Cowboys are said to really like Jordyn Tyson so it’s just one more subplot in a draft filled with them entering Thursday night,” he said.

Dallas holds the No. 12 and No. 20 picks in the first round of the NFL draft, which kicks off tonight at 8 p.m. ET.

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This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 11:16 AM.