George Pickens Franchise Tag: Cowboys Secure Breakout Star from Free Agency

The Dallas Cowboys are moving to lock down their top offensive weapon. Star wide receiver George Pickens will likely receive the franchise tag this offseason. This move prevents the 24-year-old Pro Bowler from hitting free agency in 2026.

Team owner Jerry Jones has publicly stated he does not see Pickens playing elsewhere. The projected one-year tag is valued at approximately $28 million. This gives the team critical time to negotiate a long-term contract extension.

Pickens’ Stellar Season Forces Dallas’ Hand

George Pickens is having a career-defining year. Through ten games, he has 67 catches for 1,054 yards and eight touchdowns. According to ESPN, those numbers rank him second in the NFL for receiving yards.

He is playing on the final year of his affordable rookie deal. His current salary is just $3.656 million for 2025. His explosive performance has made him one of the league’s most valuable and underpaid players.

The Cowboys’ investment is now a necessity, not a choice. Letting a player of his caliber reach the open market was never a realistic option for the front office.

The Financial Playbook for Keeping a Superstar

The franchise tag is a powerful but expensive tool. The $28 million figure is a significant cap hit for one season. However, it guarantees Pickens remains a Cowboy while long-term talks continue.

This strategy is endorsed by league insiders. It provides the team with maximum leverage and control. Stephen Jones, the team’s COO, has expressed a strong desire to keep Pickens in Dallas for years to come.

A long-term deal would likely lower his 2026 cap number. It would also provide Pickens with life-changing financial security. Both sides are motivated to find common ground after the tag is applied.

The decision to use the George Pickens franchise tag underscores his vital role in Dallas’s future. It secures a premier offensive talent and keeps the Cowboys’ championship window firmly open.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the NFL franchise tag?

The franchise tag is a one-year contract offer a team can give to a pending free agent. It binds the player to the team for that season at a high, predetermined salary based on position.

How much is George Pickens’ franchise tag worth?

The projected non-exclusive franchise tag for a wide receiver in 2026 is approximately $28 million. This is the fully guaranteed salary Pickens would earn for the one-season tag.

Can Pickens still sign a long-term deal after being tagged?

Yes. The tag often serves as a placeholder. Teams and players have until mid-July to negotiate a multi-year contract extension that replaces the one-year tag value.

What does this mean for the Cowboys’ salary cap?

The $28 million tag charge is a large but manageable one-year cap hit. It allows the team to keep its core intact while working on a deal that may offer more cap flexibility in future seasons.

Why is George Pickens so valuable to the Cowboys?

He is a dynamic, game-changing receiver. His production alongside CeeDee Lamb gives Dallas one of the most feared receiving duels in the NFL, which is crucial for quarterback Dak Prescott.