Cowboys QB Dak Prescott gives George Pickens advice after franchise-tag decision

As of the first Thursday of March, it seems that the Dallas Cowboys are fine with having wide receiver George Pickens play on the franchise tag worth around $27.3M for the 2026 season. 

Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is no stranger to such situations, as he has been tagged more than once during his career. While speaking at a charity event on Wednesday, Prescott offered some advice to the wideout who became his most-targeted teammate this past season. 

Dak Prescott to George Pickens: Bet on yourself

"George loves football," Prescott explained, per Patrik Walker of the Cowboys' website. "That's the one thing about it. I just want him to know, don't change your love for football. Don't get in the business mind of this. You played last year on a one-year [deal] for not even that much, right? So, if you can go $30 [million] or whatever it is now, I think it's the same thing I got when I was franchised, hey, go do it."

A previous report suggested that Pickens may not sign the tag anytime soon and may skip portions of the Cowboys' voluntary offseason program if he doesn't receive a multiyear contract to his liking. The two sides have until 4 p.m. ET on July 15 to agree to a deal, or else Pickens will have to play on the tag unless he's willing to forfeit money and sit out games. 

"At the end of the day, bet on yourself," Prescott continued. "He's a hell of a player. Hopefully, we can get him long-term and sign that, but, if not, I think the way he plays the game, the person that he is, he'll be just fine."

Dak Prescott hopes George Pickens doesn't let things get "personal"

A report from earlier this week indicated that "there’s a good chance" Pickens will have to accept playing on the tag, in part because of the reputation he developed while with the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2022 through the 2024 season. Pickens also wasn't always a model employee during what could become his only campaign with the Cowboys if the team decides to trade him at some point this spring or summer. 

Meanwhile, the contract saga involving Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones and star pass-rusher Micah Parsons clearly impacted their relationship before Jones traded Parsons to the Green Bay Packers in late August 2025. 

"Don't let it get personal," Prescott added during his comments about Pickens. "At the end of the day, this is business. Both sides are gonna want negotiations. Honestly, me and Jerry's wasn't pretty at all, right? … Things are gonna come up, things aren't gonna sit right [with you].
You're gonna feel slighted when they [offer] you a million or two less than whatever you said, and that's just the business. Play the game. Play back. But don't let it get personal."

One wonders how ugly this situation could become if Pickens begins to take being on the tag personally before July 15 arrives.