FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys have officially tagged wide receiver George Pickens for the 2026 season. This move seems routine, but it carries significant implications for both the team and the player.
With a non-exclusive franchise tag, Pickens can negotiate with other NFL teams. However, if another team makes an offer, the Cowboys have the chance to match it. If they let him go, they’ll receive two first-round picks as compensation.
Pickens is the first Cowboy to receive the franchise tag since running back Tony Pollard in 2023. The team has gone through a similar process in the past with players like Dak Prescott and DeMarcus Lawrence, showing that this is a common strategy in the league.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer spoke at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, saying, “My relationship with GP doesn’t change. It’s all part of the process. This is going to play out the way it’s supposed to play out. GP loves football.” This suggests a good working relationship that can weather the changes a tag brings.
The Cowboys now have until mid-summer to finalize a contract. If they can’t, Pickens will play the 2026 season for a fully guaranteed salary of $27.3 million.
Last season, Pickens had a breakout year, racking up 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns. This performance earned him his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro nod, making him a key player for the Cowboys. With talents like Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb around him, it seems crucial for Pickens to stay in Dallas.
Both sides would benefit from reaching an agreement. For Pickens, a new deal would provide security and allow him to continue thriving in a locker room he loves. Meanwhile, for the Cowboys, resolving this quickly could ease a potential $28 million cap hit and create space for future talent during free agency.
As both the Cowboys and Pickens look ahead, the urgency to find common ground is clear. They’ll need to navigate this situation carefully, ensuring that both the player’s ambitions and the team’s needs align.
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