FRISCO — The Cowboys wouldn’t be able to trade wide receiver George Pickens unless he signed his franchise tag, which made the news of his imminent decision to do so, hours before the NFL draft began, so interesting on Thursday. Add in the fact that Cowboys announced on Wednesday that they didn’t plan to negotiate a long-term extension with Pickens this season and it made their reported interest in drafting a receiver in the first round so intriguing.

Those suspicions were put to rest Thursday night.

“We have no intention of moving George,” Jones said after the first night of the draft. “In our mind we’re fired up about it that he’s ready to come in here, sign his tender, and in our mind, that means he’s ready to go to work.”

The Cowboys expect Pickens to sign his franchise tender this weekend. Doing so will guarantee Pickens a one-year deal worth $27.3 million. It’s a significant pay raise for Pickens, who had a career high 93 catches for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns last season. It’s also likely well short of what Pickens would hope to be paid after a Pro Bowl season.

The Cowboys and Pickens have until July 15 to negotiate a long-term deal with Pickens, but the Cowboys have already indicated their unwillingness to do so.

Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones talked with Pickens in person to let him know of their intention to not negotiate beyond the one-year franchise tag. Jones said at the owners meeting in Arizona that the tag is something they plan to use to their salary cap advantage in the coming years.

Jerry and Stephen Jones also, notably, called Pickens’ agent, David Mulugheta of Athletes First, to also let him know of their intention. Mulugheta also represents Micah Parsons, whom the Cowboys eventually traded after a lack of negotiations and communication between the Joneses and Mulugheta. Stephen described the conversation, which lasted 5-10 minutes, as “cordial.”

The Cowboys have been given no assurance that Pickens will participate in voluntary workouts starting Monday. Schottenheimer said Wednesday he planned to ask Pickens to report, just as he did with Parsons a year ago.

Once Pickens signs his tender he’ll be eligible to report to voluntary workouts.

“So far everything has been outstanding,” Stephen Jones said. “We’ve got every reason in the world to believe that hopefully he’s ready to go to work. We have zero intention of moving George Pickens.”