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Dallas Cowboys Expected to Franchise Tag George Pickens
The Dallas Cowboys are widely expected to apply the franchise tag to wide receiver George Pickens, preventing him from instantly entering free agency. This move,reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on February 8,2026,signals the team’s intent to retain the Pro Bowl receiver, at least for the upcoming season.
Understanding the Franchise Tag
The NFL franchise tag allows teams to retain a player’s exclusive rights for one year by offering them a one-year contract at a predetermined salary. This salary is based on the average of the top five salaries at the player’s position. For Pickens, the projected franchise tag value is approximately $28 million for the 2026 season. Spotrac provides detailed information on franchise tag values for each position.
Why the Cowboys Are Tagging Pickens
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has publicly expressed his desire to keep Pickens in Dallas long-term.He stated, “I’m talking to George all the time by virtue of my excitement for him…I’m looking forward to getting things worked out so George can be a Cowboy a long time.” The franchise tag serves as a placeholder while the Cowboys negotiate a multi-year contract extension with Pickens. It limits his ability to negotiate with other teams, giving Dallas more leverage in the process.
Pickens’ 2025 Performance
Pickens enjoyed a breakout season in 2025, becoming a key component of the Cowboys’ offense. He recorded 90 receptions for 1,409 yards and nine touchdowns – all career highs. Pro-Football-Reference details Pickens’ career statistics,highlighting his meaningful enhancement in 2025.
Impact on Cowboys’ Free Agency
The Cowboys face a busy offseason with 15 unrestricted free agents, including running back Javonte Williams and defensive end Jadeveon Clowney. ESPN’s Cowboys depth chart provides a thorough list of pending free agents. Applying the franchise tag to Pickens will impact the team’s salary cap situation and potentially influence their ability to re-sign other key players.
Dak Prescott’s Perspective
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott emphasized the importance of retaining Pickens, stating, “I think it must be done…the impact on this offense and the team and the great player that he is. We’ve got to find a way to keep him here.” CBS Sports reported on prescott’s comments, underscoring Pickens’ value to the team’s success.
Key Takeaways
- The Dallas Cowboys are expected to franchise tag George Pickens to retain his rights while negotiating a long-term contract.
- The franchise tag is projected to be worth around $28 million for the 2026 season