Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens is entering the 2026 season on a franchise tag, but his focus remains firmly on helping the team succeed. Pickens signed a fully guaranteed one-year, $27.3 million franchise tender on April 29 and has continued to show his commitment throughout training camp.

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The Cowboys wrapped up their final full practice in Oxnard on Thursday before traveling to Arizona for their second preseason game. Pickens and fellow star receiver CeeDee Lamb had a relatively quiet session, combining for just four receptions, but Jonathan Mingo, Ryan Flournoy, and Camden Brown received plenty of first-team opportunities during the workout.

Though the practice was closed to the public, training camp volunteers and hotel employees were invited to attend. Following the session, Cowboys players took time to thank them by signing autographs.

Pickens also reflected on how much more comfortable he feels entering his second training camp with Dallas.

“Last year I was learning the plays while trying to learn some of the guys,” Pickens said after practice. “I was thinking. I was learning so much to where I was making plays but now I’m playing faster.”

Pickens enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2025, posting career-best numbers with 93 receptions, 1,429 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns. His outstanding production earned him his first Pro Bowl selection and second-team All-Pro honors.

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Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott believes Pickens’ growth goes beyond individual statistics.

“He’s able to just fully be George and bring the energy, make the catches, make the plays,” Prescott said, via Dallas Sports Journal. “Obviously what he brings to this offense was shown last year.

“So now it’s about taking another step, and not only for him and his game, but how we’re going to use him, how we’re going to use him as decoys, how other people are going to complement, how he and CeeDee go hand in hand. You’ve got to set your game plan up for both of them.”

With a year of experience in Dallas and greater comfort in the offense, the Cowboys are expecting Pickens to play an even bigger role as they pursue another deep postseason run.

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