It appears not everyone knows the Cowboys' salary cap situation as it pertains to signing George Pickens.
The Dallas Cowboys' offense is going to be defined by one thing, and that's George Pickens' future.
With both the franchise and Pickens wanting to stay together, all that's left, it appears, is to thrash out a contract for the Pro Bowler.
Of course, we know that the franchise tag seems the right way to go, and our Mike Fisher has detailed that it is the "easiest path" for the Cowboys.
Pickens on the franchise tag in 2026 will cost the Cowboys roughly $28 million APY.
Of course, even if Pickens is tagged, the Cowboys can still work on signing him long-term; it just gives them some breathing space.
When it will happen is anyone's guess, as we know Dallas isn't usually quick to settle matters like this. But with a huge market for Pickens, especially with Green Bay Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons reportedly trying to get George in Green Bay, time is of the essence.
Now, for most of us, we know the Cowboys can easily afford to sign Pickens to a long-term contract. Yes, the current cap space isn't good, but we also know that with a few simple restructures and cuts, over $100 million in cap space becomes available.
So again, the Cowboys can sign Pickens. It's a matter of whether they want to.
But it appears Dallas' cap space when it comes to George's contract isn't as clear-cut for some.
NFL.com's Eric Edholm questions whether Dallas can afford Pickens.
"The Cowboys want Pickens back, but can they afford him? Following a career-best season after the trade from the Steelers, Pickens’ value has risen significantly," Edholm wrote.
"But salary-cap space is an issue right now for the Cowboys, who are currently projected to be around $40 million in the red, per Over The Cap."
The misunderstanding here? "Being around $40 million in the red'' in February - before the March 11 start of the new NFL business year - is meaningless.
In the coming weeks, Dallas will "flip the switch'' on contracts and will no longer "be in the red.''
The end.
We know the Cowboys' plan is to keep Pickens. They reportedly have no intention of letting him walk for nothing. Especially after hearing how much having him stressed defenses in their interviews with candidates for their defensive coordinator position.
So the Cowboys will likely tag George and work on signing him to a long-term deal.
Exactly when that will be is anyone's guess, but just remember one thing about this whole Pickens contract saga.
Dallas has the money to sign Pickens.