George Pickens has been everything the Dallas Cowboys could've hoped for and then some.
His Week 11 benching not withstanding, Pickens has behaved himself in Dallas and is producing elite numbers. The former second-round pick has posted 908 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, which rank second and tied for third in the NFL.
With Pickens set to hit free agency in 2026, the Cowboys have a decision to make that looks to be a difficult one right now.
Do they extend or franchise tag Pickens despite already having one big wide receiver contract on the books in CeeDee Lamb's?
Or do they let him walk in free agency for nothing?
ESPN's Todd Archer has weighed-in on the situation and thinks it's possible Dallas will franchise tag Pickens which, according to Over The Cap, will cost about $28 million in 2026.
He has done everything and more since getting traded to the Cowboys. He has produced on the field, especially during CeeDee Lamb's absence. He has had a quick rapport with quarterback Dak Prescott. Lamb already makes $34 million per year, and while signing Pickens to a deal in that neighborhood is not impossible, it could limit options elsewhere. The Cowboys have not been afraid to use the franchise tag, which they could do with Pickens.
The franchise tag is probably the best approach for the Cowboys, as it gives them a few options with the star wideout.
If the Cowboys are interested in extending Pickens, the tag will give them more time to get that done.
If Dallas doesn't want to fork over the cash in a long-term commitment or is simply unable to reach an agreement with Pickens, the team could let him play out the season on the tag or trade him.
Given all the needs the Cowboys have on their roster and Lamb's big contract, we find it hard to believe they will commit a lucrative, long-term deal to Pickens, no matter how well he plays this season.
The best bet would be for Dallas to tag and trade Pickens to get some draft capital for him and use the funds needed to extend him elsewhere while finding a cheaper solution for its need at wide receiver in the draft or free agency.
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