The Dallas Cowboys have a tough decision to make in 2026 when it comes to wide receiver George Pickens.
Pickens is slated to be a free agent next offseason and is playing his way into a big contract extension after posting 1,054 receiving yards and eight scores through 11 games, ranking second and third in the NFL in those categories, respectively.
While that kind of production would normally make extending Pickens a no-brainer, it isn't that simple for the Cowboys.
Not only does Dallas have to worry about Pickens reverting back to the problem he was with the Pittsburgh Steelers (we have seen some glimpses of that in 2025, and namely after he was benched for a series in Week 11 for missing the team bus), the Cowboys also have to weigh paying big money to two receivers thanks to CeeDee Lamb's massive deal.
One avenue the Cowboys could take with Pickens is the franchise tag, which will cost around $28 million in 2026. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that the Cowboys aren't afraid to go that route.
Dallas is not afraid of the franchise tag number -- which should fall somewhere around $28 million in 2026 -- but hasn't determined whether to use it or not (again, it's early). The lack of fear about that number illustrates how strong the interest in Pickens should be in the offseason.
The franchise tag is the most ideal approach, assuming the Cowboys don't quickly come to an agreement with Pickens on an extension.
Utilizing the franchise tag gives the Cowboys more time to work something out with Pickens, and if that fails they can turn around and trade him.
There is also the possibility that Pickens plays out the entire 2026 campaign on the tag, but as Fowler notes, there is a good chance Pickens won't be keen on doing that.
A tag would be fascinating, because while some players embrace it, my sense is Pickens' camp would strongly prefer a long-term contract. But it would give Dallas the flexibility to negotiate with Pickens through the offseason or potentially execute a sign-and-trade.
One reason Pickens won't want to play on the tag is simply because NFL players prefer long-term security, something the tag doesn't offer.
Adding to that, Pickens will likely garner more than $28 million on the open market given the elite production he's posting this season.
Now, that doesn't mean he's going to reset the market at wide receiver, but he should do better than that figure, which would rank 13th among wideouts.
It's very clear that owner Jerry Jones is open to keeping Pickens around for the long haul, but the money is going to have to be right for it to make sense for Dallas.
More NFL News
- Brian Schottenheimer has CeeDee Lamb message for Chiefs
- Lions' Aidan Hutchinson draws delusional take from Giants OL
- One stat shows how improbable Cowboys' win over Eagles was
- J.J. McCarthy's historically bad start to career summed up in one ugly stat
- Chip Kelly addresses getting fired by Las Vegas Raiders
- Shedeur Sanders makes Browns franchise history in first NFL start