Emmanuel Acho and George Pickens are closely watching the unfolding situation involving Jerry Jones. Both Jones and Pickens are caught in a protracted struggle, with Pickens’ long-term prospects remaining uncertain. Without a finalized deal, Pickens’ future post-2026 could see him playing for any team and earning any amount.
On the Apr. 29 episode of the Speakeasy podcast, Acho highlighted the issues surrounding Pickens’ situation and explained why the receiver should not play under the franchise tag in 2026.
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“Jaxon Smith-Njigba could tear his ACL tomorrow, God forbid, and he’s gonna have $70 million in a bank. George Pickens could tear his ACL tomorrow, God forbid, and he has $27 million in the bank. After taxes, $14 million in the bank. After his family, $7 million in the bank. And after (he buys) that house, about $3 million in the bank.”
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“So with all that being said, it would be negligent of a representation of George Pickens to allow him to play under the tag, especially when the last time we saw a Cowboys receiver get tagged was Dez Bryant in 2015. (He) got tagged in 2015 and inevitably signed a long-term extension.”
In 2025, Pickens had an impressive first season with Dallas, achieving 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns, surpassing his previous record set in 2023 with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Read More: Chad Johnson claims Pickens is deliberately avoiding franchise tag amid Cowboys WR’s OTA absence
Read More: Cowboys CEO Stephen Jones drops clear verdict on Pickens’ future as star WR stalls signing $27.298 million franchise tag
Conflicting reports emerge about George Pickens signing franchise tag
George Pickens’ only option to extend negotiations into 2026 was to decline signing the $27.3 million franchise tag (Spotrac). Initially, this seemed to be his decision. However, an Apr. 23 report by Adam Schefter stated that Pickens signed the extension on that date.
“Pickens is signing his franchise tag. Once Cowboys WR George Pickens signs his franchise tag, he can be traded anytime,” Schefter posted.
The report caused confusion about whether Pickens had signed his franchise tag. A week later, Schefter quote-posted a report from Todd Archer confirming the Dallas Cowboys receiver had indeed signed the franchise tag, further contributing to the uncertainty.
Schefter added clarification to the post.
“What was expected last week now is official: George Pickens is now under contract,” Schefter posted.
Unless another conflicting report surfaces, Pickens has now completed the signing of the one-year solution. Ultimately, he delayed signing by a week but eventually formalized the agreement. The question remains whether Jerry Jones and Pickens will reach a long-term deal in the coming months, or if Pickens will consider holding out.
Edited by Ian Van Roy
