In a strategic move to secure their explosive offense, the Dallas Cowboys are planning to use the franchise tag on star wide receiver George Pickens, according to a major report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
DALLAS – The Dallas Cowboys front office is making it clear they have no intention of losing one of their most dynamic offensive weapons. In an exclusive report from veteran NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the franchise is preparing to place the franchise tag on George Pickens, a move projected to be worth over $28 million for the 2026 season.
This development comes as Pickens is in the midst of a spectacular breakout campaign. With 908 receiving yards, the 24-year-old currently ranks second in the entire NFL, solidifying his status as an indispensable part of the Cowboys’ offensive scheme.
“If Pickens isn’t the top receiver in free agency next offseason, he’s at least in the conversation,” Rapoport emphasized. “The more likely scenario, sources say, is the Cowboys slapping the franchise tag on him, and then trying to hammer out a long-term extension.”
The use of the franchise tag is seen by analysts as a strategic masterstroke, allowing the Cowboys to avoid a potential bidding war on the open market—where Pickens would undoubtedly be a top commodity commanding a massive contract.
However, the financial puzzle is complex. The Cowboys are currently facing a significant salary cap crunch, projected to have the least cap space in the league. Mega-deals for Dak Prescott, Micah Parsons, and CeeDee Lamb already consume a large portion of the budget, making the addition of another $28+ million per year a substantial challenge.
To make the numbers work, experts suggest the Cowboys will need to execute several cap-management maneuvers. Potential options include releasing other high-salary players or restructuring the contracts of existing stars.
From Pickens’ perspective, the young star has repeatedly expressed his desire to remain with the Cowboys long-term. His potent chemistry with CeeDee Lamb has created one of the most feared wide receiver duos in the league, giving the Texas team a rare offensive advantage.
A final decision is expected to be announced before March 4, 2026—the official deadline for NFL teams to apply the franchise tag for the new season.