In a move that shocks exactly nobody in the football world, the Dallas Cowboys have made their first critical play of the offseason. The team is officially placing the franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens, ensuring the electric playmaker won't test the free-agent waters. This decisive action locks in Pickens for the 2026 campaign and sets the stage for what could be a franchise-altering contract negotiation.
A Trade That Paid Off Immediately
Rewind to last offseason: Dallas pulled off a heist, sending mid-round draft capital to Pittsburgh for Pickens. It didn't take long for that deal to look like grand larceny. Pickens exploded onto the scene in Dallas, forming a nightmare-inducing partnership with CeeDee Lamb. His 2025 stat line—93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns—wasn't just good; it was All-Pro caliber, perfectly timed with his impending free agency.
Playing on the tag, Pickens is projected to earn a hefty sum in the ballpark of $27-28 million for the upcoming season. While that's a significant one-year payout, the real story is what comes next.
The Looming Mega-Deal
According to reporting from Jori Epstein of Yahoo! Sports, the tag is merely a placeholder. The true endgame is a long-term extension that will make Pickens one of the highest-paid players at his position. Team executives around the league predict any multi-year pact for Pickens would need to start at $30 million annually, with some speculating it could climb as high as $36 million per year.
That potential number introduces a fascinating subplot. It would surpass the $34 million average annual salary of his teammate, CeeDee Lamb. This financial dynamic could test the chemistry of the NFL's most dynamic receiving duo, potentially complicating the "1A-1B" relationship they've enjoyed. The Cowboys' front office now faces the delicate task of keeping both superstars happy and paid while managing the salary cap.
Navigating the Financial Landscape
The negotiations will likely use the cost of two consecutive franchise tags as a baseline, though the final 2026 salary cap—expected to settle between $301 and $305 million—will provide the exact framework. While Pickens is unlikely to top Ja'Marr Chase's record $40.25 million average, he is squarely in line for a deal that resets the upper market for elite receivers.
For the Cowboys, this move is a declaration. It signals an unwavering commitment to building around quarterback Dak Prescott with elite weapons. Letting a talent like Pickens walk after just one transcendent season was never an option. The tag guarantees he remains a centerpiece of the offense as the two sides work toward a more permanent solution.
The pressure is now on Jerry Jones and the front office to seal the deal. Securing Pickens long-term is the next, and most crucial, step in ensuring the Cowboys' aerial attack remains among the league's most feared for years to come. For fans in Dallas, the message is clear: the Pickens era is just getting started.
