Cowboys Reportedly Leaning Toward Franchise Tagging George Pickens

George Pickens’ impressive first season with the Dallas Cowboys has certainly opened the eyes of many around the league, and in Pickens’ case, it might soon catch the attention of some eager wallets as well. The wide receiver was traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers to Dallas with one year remaining on his rookie contract, marking a significant shift in his career trajectory. The Cowboys secured Pickens last May by sending a 2026 third-round draft pick to the Steelers, a move that has quickly proven to be an astute acquisition.

Since joining Dallas, Pickens has seamlessly integrated into the Cowboys' offense, carving out a key role alongside star receiver CeeDee Lamb. Over the course of the season, he has tallied 49 receptions for 764 yards and six touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to make big plays and consistently contribute in critical moments. Pickens’ combination of size, speed, and route-running savvy has given the Cowboys a dynamic weapon alongside CeeDee Lamb, cultivating an elite passing attack.

If Pickens can maintain his current health and production levels, projections suggest he could close out the 2025 season with a career-best total of over 1,400 receiving yards—a milestone that would not only cement his status as a premier receiver in the league but also significantly boost his market value. Such a performance would inevitably make him one of the most highly coveted free agents this offseason, drawing intense interest from teams around the NFL.

Of course, this creates a scenario in which the Cowboys must choose whether to keep him long-term. According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, Dallas is expected to place a high priority on retaining Pickens once his rookie deal expires. Graziano notes, "I believe there’s a strong likelihood that the Cowboys franchise tag Pickens, assuming they remain as happy with him by the end of the season as they've been so far." Applying the franchise tag would carry a hefty price, estimated at around $29 million for a wide receiver, but given Pickens’ production and potential, it would be a worthwhile investment for the Cowboys as they look to solidify their receiving corps.

In sum, George Pickens has emerged as a breakout talent for Dallas, and the coming months will be crucial both for his continued development on the field and for negotiations that could shape the trajectory of his career. Whether the Cowboys commit to him long-term or place a tag on him is one thing, but I have questions surrounding his willingness to play on it. It’s going to have to be something that we will have to wait and see, but a franchise tag, in my opinion, creates skepticism.