#george-pickens

#george-pickens

The franchise tag remains a likely option in the short term, but it's far from ideal. Tagging a wide receiver carries a massive one-year cap hit and offers no long-term security for either side. A multi-year deal, properly structured, would be far more beneficial. Pickens gives Dallas something defenses must account for on every snap: a physical, vertical threat who can win one-on-one matchups and stretch coverage. His presence tilts safety alignments and creates space underneath, making life easier for the entire offense.

The NFL salary cap is projected to take a significant leap in 2026, rising from $279.2 million in 2025 to a range between $301 million and $305 million. That type of increase isn't just a league-wide headline; for the Dallas Cowboys, it's a structural lifeline. Not because it invites reckless spending, but because it finally provides breathing room for a roster built to contend while staying financially disciplined.

Speaking for the first time Wednesday since that game, Pickens initially deflected a question about the criticism he received after catching five passes for 37 yards against the Lions by saying his focus was on Sunday's opponent, the Los Angeles Chargers. Prime analyst Richard Sherman said Pickens looked, "disengaged," and, "uninterested," after the Lions game. Pickens wrote and later deleted a social media post aimed at Sherman, but he agreed with CeeDee Lamb's assertion that people were waiting for Pickens to have a poor game.

"Honestly, just the zero looks and things like that," Prescott said. "Simple as that, anytime we were in a passing situation or passing downs and they were giving us that look, we tried to throw him just a quick smoke - not early, well late honestly - and maybe we should have done it earlier. Maybe we should have just thrown him a slant. A lot of 'maybes.' I'm frustrated. This was one of the toughest ones I've been a part of."

The offense quits doing what it had been doing those first 19 minutes. It also doesn't help when said offense, the defense, and even the special teams units start making dumb plays. Big gains getting wiped out by penalty. Turnovers wiped out by penalty. Your star running back, Saquon Barkley, fumbling the ball. Then there is your punt returner fielding a punt at the two-yard line and promptly fumbling it at the 12 with the score tied at 21.

I love the situation for (George Pickens) with the Cowboys, but I would love to see him have his own team. I would love to see him be somewhere else, and be 1A, not having to be 1B to someone else. Not having to be the Robin to someone else's Batman. As great as he is, he's an immense talent. He's a true number one that can carry a team for himself, outside of Dallas,