Stephen Jones tells Pickens he will play on the franchise tag in 2026

📋 **The Decision** **Stephen Jones** has informed **George Pickens** — and his agent — that the Dallas Cowboys wide receiver will play the 2026 season on the franchise tag. According to reports, Jones delivered the news directly to both the player and his representation before making it public. ———————————————— ✅ **Key Details** - **Stephen Jones** communicated the franchise-tag decision to Pickens and his camp ahead of any media announcement - Agent **David Mulugheta** received the news as part of that outreach - Pickens will carry the franchise tag into the **2026 season** with no long-term extension in place ———————————————— 📅 **Context** Mulugheta has been a recurring name in Cowboys contract discussions. **Jerry Jones** referenced the agent repeatedly during the drawn-out negotiations surrounding **Micah Parsons**, making the agent a familiar figure in the franchise's recent roster management conversations. The Cowboys' decision to hold firm on the tag signals that a long-term deal for Pickens remains unresolved heading into 2026.