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NFL Rumors: Dallas Cowboys Expected to Try Risky George Pickens Move
TL;DR
The Dallas Cowboys have placed the franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens, preventing him from entering free agency. They are expected to tag him again in 2027, resulting in a potential two-year, $60 million fully guaranteed contract.
The Dallas Cowboys wasted little time this offseason before placing the franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens, preventing him from becoming the most sought-after player in NFL free agency. While itâs expected to cause some drama this summer, it might not be the only risky move Dallas makes with the All-Pro offensive weapon.
NFL reporter Jason La Canfora shared that the sense he gets from around the league is that Dallas has no plans on signing Pickens to a contract extension. Instead, the club would franchise tag him for the second consecutive year in 2027.
Related: NFL Execs Question Dallas Cowboysâ Offseason Moves
It certainly seems risky for Dallas. Pickens will be making $27.298 million fully guaranteed this season, which ranks 15th among wide receiver salaries in 2026. If the Cowboys tagged him again next offseason, Pickens would make nearly $33 million fully guaranteed.
The team would effectively be signing him to a two-year, $60 million contract that is fully guaranteed. A $30 million average annual value is reasonable for a wide receiver who earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2025. The risk, however, stems from the lack of leverage it gives Dallas long-term and what it could set up in consecutive training camps.
Related: Insider Predicts George Pickensâ Immediate Future with Cowboys
Jerry Jones and the Cowboys front office are obviously very familiar with how contract negotiations and tagging a player can both create storylines and distractions during the summer. It seems to be something the organization embraces, since it brings extra attention to the franchise and keeps the teamâs name in the news.
However, Pickens also has a history of some emotional volatility, and dragging out negotiations with him while he holds out throughout the summer can create long-term problems. It would seem to be even more foolish to do that twice, but clearly some inside the NFL believe thatâs what the Cowboys are planning.
Then again, it could work out. Pickens would be locked into two fully guaranteed salaries through the 2027 NFL season, but he would still need to perform well so he could test NFL free agency in 2028. Plus, since Dallas wouldnât use the franchise tag on him a third time, he would have a clear path to the open market while the Cowboys received two years of great production without making a riskier, long-term financial commitment.
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Q&A
Why did the Dallas Cowboys franchise tag George Pickens?
The Cowboys franchise tagged George Pickens to prevent him from becoming a free agent and to maintain control over his contract situation.
What are the financial implications of tagging George Pickens again in 2027?
If tagged again in 2027, Pickens would earn nearly $33 million fully guaranteed, leading to a total of $60 million guaranteed over two years.
What risks do the Cowboys face by not extending George Pickens' contract?
By not extending Pickens' contract, the Cowboys risk losing leverage in negotiations and could face complications during consecutive training camps.
