THE COWBOYS HAVE OFFICIALLY FRANCHISE-TAGGED GEORGE PICKENS: WHAT’S NEXT?

In what marks the beginning of a potentially dramatic offseason for the Dallas Cowboys, the first domino has officially fallen regarding star wide receiver George Pickens. The Cowboys have placed the franchise tag on Pickens, ensuring that he remains under the team’s control through the 2026 season.

This move has been expected for some time, and the timing makes perfect sense. With all eyes in Indianapolis for the NFL Combine, Jon Machota of The Athletic confirmed the decision, following up on initial reports from Jori Epstein of Yahoo Sports. The Cowboys had until March 3 to apply the tag, but the move was always considered inevitable. Now, with the franchise tag in place, the next key date to watch is July 15, the deadline for the Cowboys and Pickens’ camp to strike a long-term deal.

The Countdown to July 15: Negotiation Time

As it stands, the Cowboys have placed the franchise tag on Pickens, which would guarantee him a salary of approximately $28 million for the 2026 season unless a long-term deal is struck. This gives the Cowboys and Pickens’ representatives a window of five months to work out a deal that satisfies both sides. However, given the complexities involved, it is entirely possible the negotiations could drag right up to the deadline—or even beyond.

What makes this situation intriguing is the dynamic between Pickens’ impressive 2025 season and his off-field inconsistencies. On the field, Pickens proved he can be one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, earning All-Pro honors. But off the field, his issues with punctuality and curfew raised red flags. Despite being less of a distraction in Dallas compared to his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Cowboys are cautious.

As Epstein pointed out, Pickens was benched for part of the Cowboys’ game in Las Vegas after missing curfew, alongside teammate CeeDee Lamb. These off-field concerns have caused Dallas to hesitate when it comes to offering a multi-year contract, despite Pickens’ undeniable talent.

Pickens’ Value: The Tag vs. Long-Term Deal

From a business perspective, the Cowboys might prefer to keep Pickens on the franchise tag for the time being. With an AAV (annual average value) of close to $40 million for a long-term deal, the Cowboys are likely hesitant to commit that much money without first seeing if Pickens can consistently perform without distractions. After all, 2025 could very well have been the perfect storm, where Pickens’ breakout season was a product of a combination of factors—including finally escaping Pittsburgh and joining a high-powered offense.

But there is an upside for Pickens as well. At just 24 years old, Pickens is still very much in the prime of his career, despite completing four seasons in the NFL. Playing under the franchise tag in 2026 would keep him in line for another big payday once he hits free agency at 25—a rare opportunity for a wide receiver. While the franchise tag would keep him in Dallas for one more season, it would also allow him to prove that his All-Pro 2025 performance wasn’t just a flash in the pan.

Could the Franchise Tag Lead to a Trade?

One additional layer of intrigue surrounds the possibility of a trade, as tagging Pickens technically opens the door for other teams to make a move. However, Dallas co-owner Stephen Jones has made it clear that the Cowboys have no interest in moving Pickens, particularly after the success he had alongside Dak Prescott last season. Why would the Cowboys break up one of the best wide receiver duos in football after Prescott’s impressive year? It would be a head-scratcher for sure.

The Cowboys’ desire to maintain continuity in their offense likely plays a role in their decision to tag Pickens. Tagging him guarantees that he will remain in a Cowboys uniform for the 2026 season, regardless of whether or not a long-term deal is reached. The key question remains whether the Cowboys will take the necessary steps to secure Pickens for the long haul or if they’ll let the situation play out with the franchise tag hanging over it.

Will Dallas Get a Deal Done?

While the current path might be leaning toward Pickens playing under the franchise tag, both sides still have ample time to work out a deal before the July 15 deadline. With 138 days to go, the Cowboys have plenty of time to negotiate a contract that secures Pickens’ future with the team and addresses any concerns.

At this point, it would be in both parties’ best interests to reach an agreement sooner rather than later. The Cowboys’ offensive future could rely heavily on the production of Pickens, and getting him locked down with a long-term deal could stabilize the wide receiver position for years to come. But then again, why make it easy? If the Cowboys want Pickens to prove his worth and justify a huge contract, the franchise tag may be the perfect vehicle to ensure that happens.

The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Pickens and the Cowboys?

In conclusion, the first domino in the George Pickens saga has indeed fallen, but there are still many pieces to move before the puzzle is complete. Whether it’s a long-term deal or a franchise-tagged season, Pickens will be with the Cowboys in 2026. The real question is whether that will be on a contract worth upwards of $30 million per year or if he will need to prove himself again before earning that kind of commitment.

As the Cowboys continue to build their roster for the future, they will undoubtedly face many more decisions like this in the coming years. But for now, securing Pickens for another season—either on the tag or a new deal—is their primary focus. And with the NFL Combine in full swing, this chapter is just getting started.