Cowboys Likely to Franchise Tag George Pickens, Report Suggests
The Dallas Cowboys are reportedly planning to franchise tag wide receiver George Pickens, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. This move would prevent Pickens from entering the open market as an unrestricted free agent on March 11.
Details of the Trade and Performance
The Cowboys acquired Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers in May 2025. The trade involved the Cowboys sending a third-round pick in 2026 and a fifth-round pick in 2027 to the Steelers, along with receiving a sixth-round pick in 2027 in return. In his recent season, Pickens had a standout performance with:
- 93 receptions
- 1,429 receiving yards
- 9 touchdowns
These achievements earned him second-team All-Pro honors.
Franchise Tag Implications
The franchise tag for receivers is projected to be around $28 million. This figure significantly surpasses Pickens’s career earnings of $6.7 million but is much lower than the current market rate of $40 million per year. After the tag is applied, the Cowboys and Pickens will have until July 15 to negotiate a long-term deal.
Non-Exclusive Tag Scenario
If the Cowboys apply a non-exclusive tag, other teams could extend offer sheets to Pickens. The Cowboys would retain the right to match or receive two first-round picks as compensation if they choose not to match. Pickens could opt to withhold his services until a long-term deal is secured, allowing him to miss offseason programs, training camps, and the preseason.
Future Considerations
Should Pickens accept the franchise tender days before the start of the regular season, he would secure the full tag amount. While he can’t secure a long-term deal after July 15, he may still demand more than the franchise tag amount for 2026. Conversely, he might choose to accept the tag and focus on proving himself for a longer contract in 2027.
Potential for Future Tags
Under league rules, if tagged again in 2027, he would receive a 20% increase over the 2026 salary, potentially earning $33.6 million.
Past experiences, such as a contentious contract standoff between Cowboys player Micah Parsons and the organization, suggest that negotiations can become complicated. However, a trade after July 15 isn’t feasible for a long-term deal. Interest in direct negotiations between Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and Pickens may also complicate matters.
As the situation unfolds, the potential for a contract conflict between the Cowboys and George Pickens remains high.
