The Dallas Cowboys knew that after the 2025 season, they'd have to figure out what to do with George Pickens.
That was always part of the equation when they traded with the Pittsburgh Steelers to acquire the uber-talented wideout.
Pickens delivered on his promise on the field for the Cowboys in 2025, even if it didn't translate to a winning season in Dallas.
Now, he's heading for free agency, and the Cowboys have options.
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The one floated the most is the $28 million franchise tag, at least as an initial tactic before entering into further long-term contract negotiations.
Pickens may not love the franchise tag, though.
"The Cowboys are expected to franchise-tag Pickens, which would pay him around $28 million next season," ESPN's Jeremy Fowler wrote in a new article on Tuesday. "But Pickens will want a long-term deal above that number, and if Dallas doesn't give him that, some around the league wonder whether he stays away from the team for a large portion of the offseason or even training camp."
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Fowler's article included him speaking to a variety of league sources, and he quoted one on the Pickens situation.
"I just don't see him, coming off the season he had, welcoming the tag with open arms," an AFC coach told Fowler.
Fowler adds two things:
- If Pickens is franchise tagged, the sides have until July 15 to reach a deal.
- Pickens can opt not to actually sign the franchise tag as a way of building leverage.
Given how Jerry Jones likes to negotiate, along with the perception of Pickens as a classic WR diva, this one could get interesting in a hurry.
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