The Dallas Cowboys plan to place a franchise tag on their standout wide receiver, George Pickens, according to sources from ESPN. This tag is expected to cost around $28 million for the year.
Owner Jerry Jones is eager to keep Pickens on the team for more than just one season. He expressed his enthusiasm, stating it’s crucial for both Pickens and the organization. “I’m talking to George all the time by virtue of my excitement for him,” Jones said. “He’s shown immense potential and contributed greatly to our team.”
The Cowboys can apply the franchise tag between February 17 and March 3, using it as a starting point for negotiations to make Pickens a long-term Cowboy. While many players dislike the franchise tag because it limits free agency options, it may also secure Pickens’ future in Dallas.
Pickens had a phenomenal season, catching 90 passes for 1,409 yards and nine touchdowns. His performance has made him an essential part of the offense. Quarterback Dak Prescott echoed this sentiment during the Pro Bowl Games, calling it “vital” for the Cowboys to keep Pickens. He believes retaining him is crucial for the team’s success. “We’ve got to find a way to keep him here,” Prescott emphasized.
The Cowboys face a busy offseason, with 15 unrestricted free agents, including Pickens, running back Javonte Williams, and defensive end Jadeveon Clowney. Keeping key players like Pickens may determine the team’s future success and competitive edge.
Interestingly, the franchise tag has been a topic of discussion among players and fans on social media. Many express mixed feelings about it, viewing it as both a safety net for teams and a source of frustration for players wanting stability.
In recent history, the franchise tag has been used strategically by NFL teams. For example, in 2022, teams utilized it to retain high-performing players before agreeing on long-term contracts. Keeping this in mind, it’s clear that Dallas is thinking ahead.
To learn more about the franchise tag system and its implications, check out this NFL report.
