Ultimately, this idea of Dallas saying goodbye to Pickens in any form appears to be a nuclear option for all parties involved. ... with nothing "devious'' or "devilish'' yet in play.
FRISCO - The more things change, the more things stay the same.
As we were first to report way back on Nov. 27 via a source, the Dallas Cowboys are planning to place the franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens - at least as an "easy-path'' placeholder on the way to a possible long-term contract.
And yet there are numerous websites - including ESPN's - claiming to be "breaking'' this story.
Maybe the only legit new wrinkle is the idea of a "tag and trade,'' which respected colleague Ian Rapoport says is a "scenario considered to be a possibility for Dallas.''
But otherwise?
Meet the new news ... same as the old news. And yes, tht includes this idea that Dallas on Monday launched some sort of devious and devish "Anti-Pickens smear campaign.''
How did this wrong-headed concept get launched?
ESPN first noted that "multiple sources'' say Pickens got fined by the team in 2025.
This is hardly earth-shaking information.
But then a click-farming X account twisted those words, "reporting'' that Pickens was "fined multiple times.''
Oops. By accident, or on purpose ... Oops.
And then, quite innocently enough, some other Cowboys followers on social media expressed fear that Dallas was "leaking'' negative info about Pickens as part of a "smear campaign'' to, we assume, lower his value/cost as a free agent.
And it's all baloney.
Pickens is in the coming days slated to become an unrestricted free agent after finishing his first season in Dallas following last spring's trade with the Steelers.
Pickens was spectacular in the Dallas offense, setting career highs with 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns on his way to his first Pro Bowl appearance.
We can tell you that the locker room, the coaching staff and the scouting department here inside The Star believe trading Pickens is an idiotic notion.
"He's a game-changer,'' said team leader Dak Prescott. "Whichever way that they got to do it, he’s an important piece of this offense, an important piece of what we’re trying to do.''
The tag, due March 3, will guarantee him $28 million for 2026 while the two sides continue to negotiate up until July 15.
Do a long-term deal and Pickens' 2026 cap impact will be less than $10 million - a bargain during the "Dak Window'' of contention.)
Team owner Jerry Jones recently made a sort of verbal commitment to Pickens as a long-term Cowboy.
"I'm talking to George all the time by virtue of my excitement for him," Jones said when asked if contract extension talks have begun with Pickens (which they have not). "He's better than, as far as what he contributed to our team, showing the potential that he could contribute. I'm looking forward to getting things worked out so George can be a Cowboy a long time."
Ultimately, this idea of saying goodbye to Pickens in any form appears to be a nuclear option for all parties involved. ... with nothing "devious'' or "devilish'' yet in play.