India, April 23 -- The Dallas Cowboys have shut the door, at least for now, on a long-term extension for George Pickens, confirming the star receiver will play the 2026 season under the franchise tag.

Speaking ahead of the NFL Draft, executive vice president Stephen Jones made the stance clear.

"We've made a decision," Jones said. "... There won't be negotiations on a long-term deal."

He added further clarity on the approach: "We've made a decision that we're gonna have George play under the franchise tag, which won't be a first for us."

"There won't be negotiations on a long-term deal. That's certainly not a a first for this organization and won't be a first in the league, in terms of this decision as we move forward."

Jones pointed...