The Dallas Cowboys are reportedly planning to place the franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens this offseason rather than let him hit unrestricted free agency. Under the non‑exclusive franchise tag for wide receivers, Pickens would earn about  $28 million for the 2026 season, fully guaranteed — a one‑year deal that keeps him in Dallas while preventing other teams from signing him outright. Several key factors explain this move.

1. Pickens’ Breakout Season:

Pickens delivered a career‑best year in 2025, finishing with 93 receptions, 1,429 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl and second‑team All‑Pro honors. That breakout performance dramatically boosted his market value.

2. Cowboys Want Control & Time:

With no long‑term extension completed yet and free agency looming, the franchise tag offers Dallas a way to control Pickens’ rights through the 2026 season while extending negotiations. It buys time for both sides to find common ground without losing him for nothing.

3. Cap and Roster Strategy:

Dallas currently faces significant salary cap pressure and has 15 unrestricted free agents. (Don't worry, folks. The cap pressure will ease up once certain contracts are converted/restructured). Locking Pickens up long‑term now would require substantial cap space; the tag lets the Cowboys delay that commitment while preserving their offensive core. Tagging also positions Dallas to tag‑and‑trade if contract talks stall — a move that could yield draft compensation while still maximizing Pickens’ value.

4. Team and Organizational Support:

Owner Jerry Jones, QB Dak Prescott, WR Ceedee Lamb, and coach Brian Schottenheimer have all signaled strong support for keeping Pickens, describing him as a foundational offensive weapon worth investing in long-term. Speaking of long-term, here’s what a long‑term extension for Pickens might resemble if the Cowboys and his camp agree on terms:

Comparable WR Contracts:

• Tee Higgins (Cincinnati Bengals)

— 4 years, $115 million total — $28.75 million average per year (AAV) — About $40.9 million guaranteed This deal reflects a very strong WR2/WR1‑level agreement with meaningful guarantees and moderate flexibility for the organization.

• Terry McLaurin (Washington Commanders)

— 3–year extension worth up to $96 million — Roughly $30–$32 million AAV, depending on reporting — Includes a sizeable signing bonus and significant guarantees McLaurin’s contract sets a benchmark for proven, top‑15 NFL receivers within their prime.

Projected Pickens Extension (Just an Estimate Folks)

Based on those comp deals and Pickens’ production:

Length: 4–5 years Total Value: $150–$160 million+

Average Per Year: ~$30–$32 million

Guaranteed Money: $60–$80 million+

How the Tag Fits In:

If Pickens and Dallas don’t reach a long‑term deal before March’s tag deadline, he would play 2026 on the franchise tag (~$28 M). Both sides would then have until mid‑July to finalize a long‑term extension — a structure that teams often use to bridge timing and valuation gaps.

Bottom Line, the franchise tag on George Pickens is as much a strategic roster move as it is a signal of intent to keep one of the Cowboys’ most explosive offensive players. It ensures Dallas retains control of his rights while negotiations continue, all against a backdrop of escalating wide receiver salaries — where top‑end WR contracts now routinely exceed $30 million annually.