2026 NFL Draft live tracker: George Pickens signs franchise tag ahead of draft

PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania - The 2026 NFL Draft begins at 7 p.m. CT tonight, and the Cowboys will have multiple opportunities to improve their team in the first round.

The Cowboys have two first round picks: their own pick, which comes in at No. 12, and the Green Bay Packers' pick, which comes in at No. 20. Dallas acquired the Packers' pick in last year's Micah Parsons trade.

Follow along below as we update you with every move the Cowboys make during tonight's first round of the NFL Draft.

LIVE UPDATES

6 p.m.: Send us your thoughts

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5:45 p.m.: George Pickens signs franchise tag

Cowboys receiver George Pickens has signed his franchise tag, guaranteeing him a one-year deal for 2026 but clouding his future with the team.

Pickens is now guaranteed $27.3 million for the 2026 season on a one-year deal. Pickens signing the tag today means he is eligible to be traded immediately, and that could come into play as the 2026 NFL Draft begins tonight at 7 p.m. CT.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 17: George Pickens #3 of the Dallas Cowboys looks on after his team's 33-16 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on November 17, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)

A contract extension before July 15 seems unlikely based on Wednesday's comments from Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones.

"I think we've made a decision that we're going to have George play under the franchise tag, which won't be a first for us. So there won't be negotiations on a long-term deal," Stephen Jones said during the team's pre-NFL Draft press conference.

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: The Dallas Cowboys logo is seen on a video board during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

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2026 NFL Draft Information

When will the picks happen?

Based on past NFL Drafts, the No. 12 pick is likely to happen around 8:20 p.m. central, and the No. 20 pick is likely to come in after 9 p.m. central.

When do the Cowboys' rivals pick?

Two of the Cowboys' rivals have a combined three top 10 picks in this year's NFL Draft.

The New York Giants hold the No. 5 and No. 10 selections, having acquired the latter in a trade with the Cincinnati Bengals last weekend for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence.

The Washington Commanders hold the No. 7 pick. The Philadelphia Eagles will make their selection at No. 23 overall.