The Dallas Cowboys traded for former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens ahead of the 2025 season last year. The Cowboys are reportedly planning to use the franchise tag for the Pro Bowl wide receiver.
Pickens had a career-best year in his first season with the Cowboys and is reportedly seeking a long-term contract. While Dallas plans to use the franchise tag on the Pro Bowler, there isn’t a set timeline for the potential deal.
The franchise tag, projected at $28 million, needs to be announced before the March 3 deadline. NFL analyst Nick Wright questioned Cowboys owner Jerry Jones’ on the “First Things First” show amid the contract situation.
“This is why you don’t trade for George Pickens if you don’t have a plan… If the season he just had was not enough for you to be like, we are going to pay him…then nothing would’ve been enough.”
Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!
Pickens registered 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns in the final year of his rookie contract signed with the Steelers in 2022.
Also Read: Cowboys CEO Stephen Jones opens up about trade strategy as George Pickens, others near contract decisions
Also Read: George Pickens predicted to hold out on Cowboys over Jerry Jones-led front office’s decision on WR’s contract: Report
Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones aware of George Pickens risk
While the Cowboys plans to franchise tag George Pickens, Calvin Watkins of Dallas Morning News reported that the Pro Bowl wide receiver could hold out for a new deal. Watkins reports that Pickens could stay away from the team’s offseason program, minicamp and even part of training camp.
According to ESPN, Pickens and the Cowboys have not discussed a contract yet but are set to meet in Indianapolis later this week. Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones is aware of the risk of franchise tagging Pickens.
“It can go either way,” Jones said. “So we’ll just continue to really analyze the situation and see what’s next.”