The Dallas Cowboys are facing a potential contract standoff with wide receiver George Pickens, even before negotiations officially begin. Pickens is a prime candidate for the franchise tag this offseason, a move that could ultimately lead to him skipping the team’s offseason program, according to reports.
The situation, as reported by the Dallas Morning News, highlights a potential clash between the Cowboys’ desire to retain a key offensive weapon and Pickens’ pursuit of a long-term, lucrative contract. Cowboys co-owner Stephen Jones has publicly stated his expectation that Pickens will participate in offseason activities even if tagged, but the receiver’s camp appears to be signaling a different approach.
“We always want guys here,” Jones told the Dallas Morning News. “We’ve franchised players before, obviously we want him here working with the team. It will work itself out in the coming weeks.”
The Cowboys have until to decide whether to apply the franchise tag to Pickens. While the team is widely expected to do so, a trade hasn’t been ruled out, according to multiple reports. The franchise tag for a wide receiver is projected to be around $28.8 million for , a fully guaranteed figure that could be a sticking point for both sides.
Pickens’ emergence as a top receiver in his first season with the Cowboys significantly raises the stakes. Acquired from the Pittsburgh Steelers last year for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick, Pickens quickly established himself as a key component of the Dallas offense. He finished the season with 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns, earning him a Pro Bowl selection and second-team All-Pro honors.
His performance has positioned him among the NFL’s most sought-after free agents. FOX Sports recently ranked Pickens as the No. 1 player in their top 100 NFL free agents list, suggesting his market value could exceed the franchise tag amount. A potential offer sheet from another team could force the Cowboys to either match the offer or lose Pickens in exchange for two first-round draft picks – a scenario that would undoubtedly complicate Dallas’s long-term plans.
The Cowboys’ willingness to use the franchise tag, and potentially trade Pickens, echoes a strategy they employed last offseason with another key player. This suggests a willingness to maximize value, even if it means parting ways with a talented contributor. However, the fan reaction to potential trade proposals involving Pickens, as reported by Yahoo Sports, demonstrates the receiver’s growing popularity and importance to the Cowboys’ fanbase.
Fans expressed strong opposition to a trade proposal floated by ESPN’s Dan Graziano, which would have sent Pickens and a first-round pick to the Las Vegas Raiders for defensive end Maxx Crosby and a second-round pick. Many argued that trading Pickens would be a step backward for the offense, particularly after his breakout season and the absence of CeeDee Lamb at times during the campaign.
The Cowboys already have significant financial commitments to key players, including their quarterback and offensive line. Spotrac estimates that Pickens could command a contract averaging over $30 million per year, a figure that could strain the team’s salary cap. Jerry Jones has publicly expressed optimism about reaching a long-term agreement with Pickens, stating he is “excited” about the receiver’s potential and looking forward to “getting things worked out.”
However, the looming franchise tag deadline and the possibility of Pickens skipping the offseason program introduce a layer of uncertainty. The next few weeks will be critical in determining Pickens’ future with the Cowboys, and whether the team can successfully navigate another high-stakes contract negotiation.
NFL free agency is set to officially open on , adding further pressure to resolve the situation before Pickens potentially tests the open market.
