"Acquired in May from the Pittsburgh Steelers, along with a 2027 sixth-round pick, for a 2026 third-round and 2027 fifth-round pick, Pickens put up career highs in catches (93), yards (1,429) and touchdowns (nine) last season. He was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time and earned second-team All-Pro honors. At every turn, Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones and executive vice president Stephen Jones have said they want Pickens long term."
"The franchise tag is not desirable for players -- despite being fully guaranteed -- because there is no long-term security. Teams say they use it as a stepping-stone to a long-term agreement, although that does not always happen. And since the tag is guaranteed, the entire $28 million will count against the Cowboys' cap, which chews up a lot of space for a team with numerous needs. A long-term deal would eat up considerably less."
"If Pickens signs the tender right away, he is guaranteed to make at least $28 million in 2026. But it is not likely he signs the tender immediately and gives up even his tiny bit of leverage on a long-term deal. The Cowboys have used the NFL scouting combine as the jumping-off point in most negotiations, so they will likely meet with Pickens' agents, Trevon Smith and David Mulugheta,"
On March 3 the Cowboys plan to place the franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens at roughly $27–28 million. Pickens posted career highs with 93 catches, 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns after being acquired from the Pittsburgh Steelers in May, and he earned Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors. Team executives and Pickens have expressed mutual interest in a long-term deal, but no long-term negotiations have occurred. The franchise tag guarantees a high 2026 salary yet provides no long-term security and counts fully against the Cowboys' salary cap. Negotiations will likely begin around the NFL scouting combine with Pickens' agents.
Read at ESPN.com
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