The offseason buzz is already swirling around the Dallas Cowboys, and all eyes are on wide receiver George Pickens. With contract negotiations looming, there's a potential standoff brewing if things don't go as planned.
Rumors are circulating that Pickens might consider holding out if the Cowboys opt for the franchise tag rather than securing a new deal. The scenario suggests the talented wideout might skip offseason programs if an agreement isn't reached.
Pickens made a significant impact last season, snagging 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns. His stellar performance earned him a Pro Bowl nod and has set the stage for a lucrative contract negotiation, with his camp aiming for a market-level deal.
If the Cowboys decide to apply the franchise tag before the March 3 deadline, Pickens would be looking at a projected salary of around $28 million. Executive Vice President Stephen Jones mentioned that a decision is expected soon.
“We always want guys here,” Jones said. “We’ve franchised players before, and obviously we want him here working with the team. It will work itself out in the coming weeks.”
The Cowboys, spearheaded by Jerry Jones, are set to meet with Pickens’ agents during the NFL Scouting Combine to discuss his future. However, optimism is low for a quick resolution, as the team needs to shuffle some contracts to create cap space.
After being traded to the Cowboys, Pickens' representatives were hopeful that his performance would lead to a new deal averaging around $30 million annually. Now, he's in a prime position to secure one of the most lucrative contracts for a wide receiver.
Pickens' teammate CeeDee Lamb holds the third-largest contract among receivers at $136 million, following Ja’Marr Chase of the Bengals at $161 million and Justin Jefferson of the Vikings at $140 million. Chase leads with the highest average annual value at $40 million.
Adding another layer to the contract talks is the situation with Seattle’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the NFL Offensive Player of the Year, who aims to become the highest-paid receiver following his standout performance in the Seahawks’ Super Bowl victory.
As the Cowboys navigate these negotiations, fans will be eagerly watching to see how the situation unfolds and what it means for the future of their star receiver.