The Dallas Cowboys have a big decision to make this offseason when it comes to wide receiver George Pickens - and it sounds like they’re leaning toward a smart, strategic play.
Pickens is undeniably talented. He’s a Pro Bowl-caliber receiver with the kind of athleticism and big-play ability that turns heads.
But with that talent comes a complicated track record. Even in what was considered a more disciplined 2025 campaign, Pickens still found himself benched for missing a team bus.
There were also moments - and not isolated ones - where his body language on the field raised eyebrows, with some questioning his level of engagement during games.
That’s not the kind of consistency or leadership you want to lock into with a long-term, big-money deal - especially not for a team like Dallas, which is already staring down a serious salary cap crunch. The Cowboys are currently $29.1 million over the cap, and with major investments needed on the defensive side of the ball, every dollar has to count.
So what’s the move? According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Dallas plans to place the franchise tag on Pickens.
But that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s sticking around. A tag-and-trade scenario is reportedly in play - and frankly, it makes a lot of sense.
By tagging Pickens, the Cowboys retain control. They avoid losing a valuable asset for nothing in free agency and open the door to potentially recoup meaningful draft capital in a trade. Sure, there’s always the possibility of a compensatory pick if he walks, but that’s far from guaranteed - especially if Dallas gets active in free agency themselves.
A tag-and-trade gives the Cowboys flexibility. It keeps the door open for roster-building opportunities while avoiding the risk of committing long-term money to a player who hasn’t consistently shown he can be a reliable presence on or off the field.
And let’s not forget: Pickens didn’t move the needle much in 2025 when it came to the Cowboys’ playoff hopes. That’s not all on him, of course, but it’s hard to justify a major financial commitment to a player who didn’t significantly impact the win column.
If Dallas can flip Pickens for a pick - or package him in a deal that helps them land a more stable, impact player - that’s a win. It also frees up cap space to address the defense, which is where the Cowboys truly need reinforcements if they want to make a push in 2026.
Bottom line: the Cowboys are playing this one right. Tag Pickens.
Explore the trade market. Maximize value.
And move forward with a clearer cap sheet and a roster that better fits the team’s long-term vision.