Cowboys take calculated risk in tagging George Pickens
NBC Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- The Dallas Cowboys plan to use the franchise tag on receiver George Pickens in 2026 to keep him without paying him market value, which is expected to be around $40 million, while the tag would pay him about $28 million.
- Pickens can choose to show up late to training camp and preseason, collecting the full franchise tender without practicing or playing, similar to what Micah Parsons did, but he cannot sign a long-term deal if traded after July 15.
- Cowboys executive Stephen Jones expressed hope that Pickens will participate fully like previous tagged players, but acknowledged the risk that Pickens might hold out or demand a trade to secure a market-level contract.
- Pickens had a standout season with 1,
