Cowboys Lock in Pickens with Franchise Tag

0:00It's April 23rd. Dallas News Today starts now, AI-powered and ready. I'm Cory with the story. George Pickens just signed his franchise tag with the Cowboys, locking in a one-year deal worth about 27,300,000. Dollars for the 20-26 season. This happened on Thursday, just hours before the NFL draft kicks off, and it means Dallas now has full control over his future. Earlier this week, Pickens had until July 15th to sign, but timing it right before the draft opens up trade possibilities since unsigned players can't be dealt under league rules. The Cowboys hold the number 12 and number 20 picks in the first round, and have been eyeing a move up. Fans and insiders are buzzing because keeping Pickens long-term gets pricey, especially with CD-LAM already pulling in 34 million a year. Through 2028, that duo could cost nearly 70 million annually at receiver, straining the cap with defensive holes to fill. NFL Network's Ian Rappaport reports Dallas has no media plans to trade him, but the tag signature adds a big bargaining chip.

1:06They could package Pickens for a higher pick and grab a rookie like Jordan Tyson or Denzel Boston on a cheat deal. With the draft table set, this move gives the Cowboys real flexibility, watch how it plays out tonight as deal start flying.