Cowboys May Use Franchise Tag on George Pickens

The Dallas Cowboys are thinking about using the franchise tag on receiver George Pickens. This costs about $28 million and could mean he is traded. It gives the team more time to decide on his long-term contract.
By Newsroom | NFL, Dallas Cowboys |

A substantial financial decision looms for the Dallas Cowboys regarding wide receiver George Pickens. Reports indicate the team is preparing to use the franchise tag, a move valued at approximately $28 million, on Pickens. This action precedes what many analysts predict could be a trade, offering the Cowboys a degree of flexibility as they navigate contract negotiations and roster management. The potential use of the franchise tag highlights the player's perceived value to the team, juxtaposed with the organization's reluctance to commit to a long-term, high-value contract.

Background: A Player of Value and Contractual Uncertainty

George Pickens, acquired by the Cowboys in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers following the NFL Draft, completed his first season with Dallas. His performance in this inaugural year was statistically notable, marked by career-high achievements in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. This success places him among the team's key offensive contributors as the offseason commences.

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However, Pickens' contractual situation is a focal point. He is one of several prominent Cowboys players entering the offseason as an unrestricted free agent. The franchise tag, a mechanism that allows a team to retain a player for one season at a predetermined salary, is reportedly being considered by Dallas. This approach would permit continued negotiations throughout the offseason, while simultaneously preventing Pickens from reaching the open market.

Cowboys expected to make $28M George Pickens decision - 1

  • Pickens joined the Cowboys after three seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

  • In his first season with Dallas, he recorded 93 receptions, 1,429 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns across 17 games.

  • He is classified as an unrestricted free agent heading into the offseason.

  • Other notable Cowboys free agents include Jadeveon Clowney and Javonte Williams.

The Franchise Tag: A Strategic Tool

The predicted application of the franchise tag by the Cowboys on George Pickens appears to be a calculated strategic maneuver. This designation, estimated to cost around $28 million, serves multiple purposes for the team. It ensures Pickens remains under team control, preventing him from signing with another team immediately. Crucially, it grants the Cowboys additional time to negotiate a long-term contract extension.

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The rationale behind this approach suggests that the Cowboys may be hesitant to offer Pickens the kind of long-term, lucrative deal he might command on the open market. The franchise tag acts as a placeholder, a temporary measure that preserves the team's options.

  • The franchise tag allows negotiations for a long-term deal to continue.

  • It keeps Pickens on the roster without immediate long-term financial commitment.

  • This strategy is seen as a way to maintain competitiveness amidst other roster needs and potential cap constraints.

Trade Speculation: An Emerging Possibility

Concurrent with the discussion of the franchise tag is the strong possibility of a trade involving George Pickens. Several reports suggest that the franchise tag might be a precursor to moving the receiver. This scenario offers the Cowboys an alternative to a long-term contract, potentially yielding draft capital or other assets in return.

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If tagged, Pickens could be traded before the NFL's trade deadline. This would provide Dallas with a valuable asset to leverage in addressing other team needs or to recoup assets. The team's leadership's confidence in managing the situation is noted, though some interpretations suggest this may be a public relations stance masking underlying negotiations or intentions.

  • The franchise tag provides the flexibility to explore trade options.

  • A trade could allow the Cowboys to acquire draft picks or other players.

  • This outcome is considered by some analysts to be the most probable after the tag is applied.

Pickens' Performance and Contractual Expectations

George Pickens' statistical output in his first season with the Dallas Cowboys was undeniably impressive, positioning him as a significant asset. His 93 receptions placed him eighth in the NFL, while his 1,429 receiving yards ranked third, and his nine touchdown catches tied him for eighth. These numbers underscore his impact on the team's offense.

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Despite his on-field success, reports also allude to past behavioral issues during his tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers, suggesting that his overall profile may be complex. His upcoming contract demands are expected to be substantial, given his recent performance. The $28 million figure associated with the franchise tag is indicative of his perceived market value, but whether the Cowboys are willing to meet his long-term salary expectations remains a key question.

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  • Pickens' 2025 season statistics place him among the league's top receivers.

  • His performance has elevated expectations for his future contract.

  • The $28 million franchise tag value reflects his market standing.

Expert Perspectives on the Cowboys' Approach

Analysts and reporters following the Cowboys have offered insights into the potential franchise tag decision for George Pickens. Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report is cited as predicting the Cowboys will use the franchise tag, believing this is the "right approach" if it ultimately leads to a trade. Dan Graziano, an NFL insider, is also noted as seeing a clear direction for the situation.

These analyses highlight the common theme: the Cowboys may not wish to commit to a long-term contract of the magnitude Pickens might seek. The franchise tag, therefore, represents a balanced strategy, retaining his rights temporarily while keeping options open.

  • Kristopher Knox (Bleacher Report) expects the Cowboys to use the franchise tag.

  • Dan Graziano (NFL Insider) also anticipates this direction.

  • The consensus among analysts points to a strategy that avoids immediate long-term commitment.

Conclusion: A Strategic Crossroads for Dallas

The Dallas Cowboys are reportedly on the verge of a significant decision regarding wide receiver George Pickens, with the franchise tag, valued at approximately $28 million, emerging as the most probable outcome. This action would secure Pickens' services for another season, allowing for continued contract negotiations and, potentially, facilitating a trade.

Pickens' stellar performance in his first year with Dallas, including career-high statistics, has established him as a valuable offensive weapon. However, the team's reluctance to commit to a long-term, high-value contract suggests a strategic approach to managing their salary cap and roster needs. The franchise tag offers a temporary solution, preserving flexibility. The prospect of a trade following the tag application indicates the Cowboys may be seeking assets in return rather than a long-term player investment. This situation represents a critical juncture for the team's roster management and future competitive outlook.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the franchise tag?
It is a way for a team to keep a player for one year at a set price. It stops the player from becoming a free agent right away.
Q: How much would the franchise tag cost for George Pickens?
It is expected to cost about $28 million for one year.
Q: Could George Pickens be traded?
Yes, some reports say the Cowboys might trade him after using the franchise tag.
Q: Why would the Cowboys use the franchise tag?
It gives them more time to talk about a long-term deal or to set up a trade. It also keeps him on the team for now.