“Just a day after Dallas announced it would not negotiate a long-term deal with Pickens, the wide receiver intends to sign his franchise tag tender, ESPN reported Thursday.”

“Pickens signing the franchise tag guarantees that he will earn $27.3 million this upcoming season, and will report to minicamp in June or be subject to fines.”

“The Cowboys are also now eligible to trade Pickens heading into the NFL draft Thursday evening, although there have been no trade discussions with other teams, according to ESPN.”

“Executive vice president Stephen Jones informed reporters Wednesday that the organization’s upper brass told Pickens’ agent, David Mulugheta, that they would not engage in contract talks.”

““We’ve made a decision that we’re gonna have George play under the franchise tag, which won’t be a first for us,” Jones said. “There won’t be negotiations on a long-term deal. That’s certainly not a first for this organization and won’t be a first in the league, in terms of this decision as we move forward. “So whether it’s Dak Prescott, who played under one and then got tagged a second time, whether that’s DeMarcus Lawrence or whether it’s Tony Pollard, we’ve had those situations.””

“Pickens, 25, is coming off a career year since being dealt to the Cowboys ahead of last season, posting career highs in receiving yards (1,429), receptions (93) and touchdowns (nine), ultimately earning him his first Pro Bowl appearance.”