The Cowboys and wide receiver George Pickens did not come to a long-term agreement prior to Wednesday’s deadline, as expected. The two sides had until July 15 to negotiate a long-term deal after the Cowboys franchise tagged Pickens earlier this offseason. Instead of a long-term deal, Pickens will play on a one-year, $27.3 million deal. 

And everyone involved seems OK, or at least understanding, of the decision. 

The Cowboys — in non-Cowboy-like fashion — elected to take the drama out of Wednesday’s deadline early. Before the NFL draft, the Cowboys announced that they wouldn’t negotiate with Pickens on a long-term deal and that they wanted him to play on the franchise tag. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has said before that they view the tag as a tool for the teams to use, and he planned to use it to the fullest on Pickens. 

The potential for drama still existed, however. During the draft, reports emerged that Pickens planned to sign the tag, but there was no timeline to it. Over the next few months the Cowboys insisted that they expected Pickens to sign the tag. He eventually did and reported for the first day of mandatory minicamp despite missing all of the team’s voluntary program.

Pickens spoke to reporters on the first day of minicamp and appeared to be at peace with how the negotiation — or lack thereof — had gone. He reiterated his only wish: to win a Super Bowl and his ambition to do it with the Cowboys while he’s here. As for the business side of things, Pickens didn’t vocalize any frustration.

“The game is going to be the game,” Pickens said. “Money is kind of tagged to it.”

Pickens had a breakout season for the Cowboys in 2025, setting career highs in catches (93), touchdowns (nine) and yards (1,429). He finished third in the NFL in receiving yards and earned his first Pro Bowl honor. 

Pickens is also only 25 years old. If he can replicate his success from this past season, then he could increase his value, whether it’s on the open market or on a second-consecutive franchise tag. 

If the Cowboys do tag Pickens again, drama could ensue. On Wednesday, however, the deadline came and passed without it.