"The Cowboys have a history of using the franchise tag, and applying it to Pickens has long loomed as a possibility for the 2026 offseason. Signs continue to point in the direction of the one-year tender being used in this case. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports Dallas is indeed expected to tag Pickens. Franchise tag values have not been finalized for 2026 at this point, but a relatively narrow range regarding next year's salary cap recently emerged."
"According to Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, there is a "mutual interest" for an extension to be worked out. Harris notes Pickens' issues with tardiness for team meetings - something which became a talking point during his three-year Steelers tenure - carried over to Dallas at times during the 2025 season. Owner Jerry Jones downplayed the matter during an interview with Harris, though, and attention will increasingly turn to the matter of contract talks."
George Pickens delivered a strong 2025 season that boosted his free agent value. The Cowboys are expected to use the franchise tag on Pickens for 2026, making a move to the open market unlikely. The receiver franchise tag is projected at nearly $29MM and would be guaranteed if applied. The tag would preserve the option to negotiate a long-term deal, and both sides have expressed mutual interest in an extension. Pickens had some tardiness issues for team meetings that carried over from his Steelers tenure, but Jerry Jones downplayed those concerns. No extension talks have begun, and a tag decision is due by March 3.
Read at Pro Football Rumors
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