Cowboys Eye Franchise Tag for George Pickens: A Balancing Act
The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up to keep their star wide receiver, George Pickens, in the fold for 2026, even if it means using the franchise tag. With the March 3 deadline looming, the Cowboys plan to secure Pickens, which would set them back around $28 million. The clock is ticking until July 15 to negotiate a longer-term deal.
Stephen Jones, the Cowboys' executive vice president, expressed strong sentiments about Pickens at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. “We want Pickens here.
We think the world of him. We love him.
And I think he wants to be here,” Jones emphasized, highlighting the mutual admiration between the team and their standout receiver.
The franchise tag is a double-edged sword, and Jones is well aware of the potential fallout. “It crosses your mind,” he admitted, reflecting on past experiences with players like Dak Prescott, who played under the tag twice without missing a beat. The hope is that Pickens will follow suit.
Historically, the Cowboys have navigated this terrain before, with Dez Bryant being the last to secure a long-term deal after being tagged in 2015. “It can go either way,” Jones noted, underscoring the uncertainty that comes with the territory.
Pickens has been a revelation for the Cowboys since they traded a third-round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers for him last offseason. His 2025 season was a career best, with 93 catches, 1,429 yards, and nine touchdowns, proving the trade to be a savvy move.
However, the looming franchise tag could complicate things. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler pointed out, “The Dallas Cowboys are going to franchise tag him, most likely.
That puts him on the books for $28.8 million. That is a huge number, but probably not his market value.
He’s going to need something with a three in front of it on a per year average.”
The Steelers might feel vindicated for trading Pickens when they did, as the situation could lead to Pickens moving to a third team in five years if unresolved. Fowler added, “He’s comfortable with making this uncomfortable a little bit, unafraid to play hardball.”
The Cowboys face a financial juggling act, already committing significant salaries to CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott. Pickens’ future could hinge on the Cowboys’ willingness to meet his market value, or they might explore other options, as suggested by ESPN’s Dan Graziano. A hypothetical trade involving Pickens for Maxx Crosby could be on the table, potentially reshaping the Cowboys’ roster dynamics.
As the offseason unfolds, the Cowboys must navigate this complex scenario, balancing their financial commitments with the desire to keep Pickens in Dallas for the long haul.