Following the conclusion of the 2026 Draft, there’s a great deal of excitement surrounding every team. However, the excitement for one team is being overshadowed by a messy contract situation. That team is the Dallas Cowboys, who have landed themselves right in the middle of a contract saga with wide receiver George Pickens.
Dallas placed the franchise tag on the star receiver, and recently admitted that the Cowboys aren’t going to negotiate with Pickens about a long-term deal this offseason. Then, on Thursday, before the start of the NFL Draft, it was reported by multiple people that the receiver was planning to sign his franchise tag. Now, days later, with Dallas starting its offseason program on Monday, it has been reported that Pickens hasn’t shown up to sign his tag yet.
No one knows what’s coming next in Dallas, not even the Cowboys. Considering that Dallas is an NFC East rival for the New York Giants, this dysfunction is a nice sight to see for New York.
Giants can enjoy watching Cowboys’ messy contract situation with George Pickens
Pickens was one of the best receivers in the NFL last season, catching 93 passes for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns. Making the first Pro Bowl and All-Pro team of his career in 2025, the wideout had the perfect season in a contract year. Obviously, he wants to be paid like the top receiver he is, but Dallas isn’t on board with that idea.
That could ultimately lead to a split, which would be great news for the Giants and the rest of the NFC East. Pickens helped make the Cowboys one of the best offenses in the league; getting him out the division would certainly be a win.
It seems like that could happen this offseason. NFL insider Adam Schefter appeared on The Pat McAfee Show on Monday, and made it clear that Pickens is looking for a long-term contract extension or to be traded. That’s why it matters that he hasn’t signed his franchise tag yet, because if he did, he would lose all his negotiating leverage.
Since Pickens didn’t sign the tag, he technically isn’t under contract with the Cowboys. That means he can’t be fined for not appearing at OTAs, training camp, or games, if this saga drags on that far. While this is all a nightmare for Cowboys fans, it’s fun for Giants fans to laugh at, and it’ll be even funnier for New York if Dallas trades away Pickens.
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