The Dallas Cowboys have made a decisive move regarding wide receiver George Pickens, opting to place the franchise tag on him for the 2026 season. This keeps him on the roster with a hefty $28 million paycheck, but it's clear Pickens had his sights set on a bit more-specifically, $30 million per season on a new contract. After a stellar season with the Cowboys, following his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pickens has become a key asset the team is eager to keep, albeit not with a long-term deal like the one they secured with Javonte Williams.
The decision has sparked some debate, notably from ESPN's Stephen A. Smith, who voiced his skepticism on "First Take."
He questioned the wisdom of tagging Pickens, suggesting it might not be the best move for the Cowboys. Smith highlighted the potential for Pickens to make "business decisions" on the field-playing cautiously to protect his future prospects rather than going all out, which could affect his performance.
The Cowboys' announcement stirred up quite a bit of speculation about Pickens' reaction. Smith expressed his discontent with the situation, advocating for a more permanent resolution-either securing Pickens long-term or letting him explore other opportunities.
Reflecting on Pickens' impact, his 2025 stats are hard to ignore: 93 receptions, 1,429 yards, and nine touchdowns. He was a driving force for the Cowboys' offense alongside Williams. Unfortunately, the defense didn't hold up its end, derailing the team's Super Bowl aspirations.
Adding another layer to the drama, Cowboys insider Clarence Hill Jr. weighed in on the contract situation. With Seattle Seahawks' Jaxon Smith-Njigba seeking to become the highest-paid wide receiver at over $40 million annually, Hill pointed out the disparity, suggesting that Pickens might not be content with the $28-30 million range.
This scenario hints at potential turbulence for the Cowboys, reminiscent of their recent loss of Micah Parsons. If not handled carefully, Pickens could be the next big name to part ways with the team.