Coach Brian Schottenheimer recently shared that he expects George Pickens to join the Cowboys’ offseason program starting next week. For that to happen, Pickens must sign the franchise tag. NFL insider Ian Rapoport reports that the Pro Bowl wide receiver plans to do just that.
On Thursday, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and executive vice president Stephen Jones met with Pickens’ agent, David Mulugheta, to discuss the player’s future. Apparently, their conversation helped ensure Pickens would participate in the offseason training.
“I anticipate he’ll be around,” Schottenheimer stated at a press conference. He highlighted Pickens’ appreciation for honesty, noting that this open communication is key to building a strong team, including newcomers and undrafted players.
The Cowboys placed a nonexclusive franchise tag worth $27.3 million on Pickens in March, preventing him from hitting the free agent market this year. However, Stephen Jones mentioned that the team will not engage in long-term contract talks with him until 2026.
During the offseason, Pickens has also been working out with quarterback Dak Prescott and other receivers at various locations. If he signs the tag, the Cowboys gain the option to trade him at any time. Moreover, they haven’t ruled out selecting a wide receiver with their 12th overall pick in the draft, depending on how things unfold.
This strategic move by the Cowboys reflects a greater trend in the NFL, where teams are increasingly using franchise tags to manage their rosters tightly. According to a recent survey from NFL Network, over 10% of players who received franchise tags last season were traded within the same year. As team dynamics shift, keeping players like Pickens engaged and informed becomes crucial for maintaining team morale and performance.
In summary, George Pickens is poised to play a significant role in the Cowboys’ future as both a key player and pivotal trade asset. For ongoing updates on NFL contracts and player movements, you can check sources like ESPN or NFL.com.
