INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 27 (UPI) -- The Dallas Cowboys placed the franchise tag on Pro Bowl wide receiver George Pickens, the team announced Friday.
Cowboys vice president Stephen Jones told reporters earlier this week at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis that the team was "leaning that direction" when asked about the move.
Under the terms of the franchise tag designation, Pickens is guaranteed to earn about $28 million in 2026. Pickens and the Cowboys can continue to work toward a long-term extension.
Under the terms of the non-exclusive designation, he will be free to speak to other teams at the start of free agency on March 11, the first day of the NFL's new league year.
Pickens and the Cowboys have until July 15 to sign a long-term contract. He could choose to play on his one-year franchise tenure or hold out after that date.
