The Dallas Cowboys told fans they would do whatever it takes to bring back wide receiver George Pickens, and on Friday, they took one step closer to fulfilling that promise. After talking with Pickens’ management team at the NFL Combine on Thursday, the Cowboys opted to place the franchise tag on him.
By placing the franchise tag on Pickens, Dallas has secured his rights through 2026; however, it’s a non-exclusive tag, according to ESPN, meaning the 24-year-old can negotiate with other teams, and the Cowboys have the right to match any offer he gets. Still, Pickens is at least guaranteed $28M if he plays with the Cowboys in 2026.
Where the Cowboys and George Pickens go from here
The two sides could still negotiate a long-term deal, but per NFL rules, they’ll have to agree to a long-term extension by July 15. If a deal isn’t struck by then, Pickens will have to decide whether to play on the one-year deal or hold out for a better offer from Dallas.
Now, the non-exclusive franchise tag protects the Cowboys from the possibility of Pickens getting an offer they aren’t willing to match. The acquiring team will have to send the Cowboys two first-round picks as compensation for getting Pickens. This is a price teams might balk at, allowing the Cowboys to retain some leverage over Pickens.