Cowboys Tag Pickens, Eyeing Long-Term Deal

0:00On March 3rd, the Dallas Cowboys have placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Wide Receiver George Pickens, locking him up for next season at a cost of $27.298 million against the 2026 salary cap. This marks the 13th time the team has used the tag since first implementing it in 2002 on Tackle Flosel Adams. Over the years they've tagged players like Safety Ken Hamlin in 2008, linebacker Anthony Spencer in 2012 and 13. Wide Receiver Des Bryan in 2015, defensive end to Marcus Lawrence in 2018 and 19, quarterback Dak Prescotton. 2020 and 21 tied in Dalton Schultz in 2022 and running back Tony Pollard in 2023. Results have been hit or miss for the Cowboys. Pollard rushed for over 1,000 yards that year but left for the Tennessee Titans after one season. Lawrence signed a big five-year deal worth $105 million but later won a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks.

1:00Bryan inked a five-year pack for $70 million following his tag, yet Dallas released him three years later after his production dipped. Earlier tags on Spencer and Hamlin led to short extensions before both moved on, showing the tool often buys just a year or two. Fans hope this time leads to a long-term deal with Pickens to bolster the offense or maybe a trade for two first round picks, letting the front.