Pickens Holds Cowboys Hostage with Franchise Tag

0:00On April 28th, George Pickens is holding out on signing his franchise tag with the Dallas Cowboys, and it's putting the team in a real bind. That tag is worth 27.3 million dollars, but by not inking it, Pickens is flexing his leverage, signaling he wants a long-term deal. Closer to 30 million a year, for a top-wide receiver like him. Earlier this week, the Cowboys skipped drafting a receiver early, betting Pickens would just sign and show up. Reports from Pat McAfee's show suggested it was only a draft week in distraction, but now it's clear Pickens flipped the script on that assumption. Fans and insiders are buzzing, with Stephen Jones announcing no negotiations until he signs the tag. Jerry and Stephen Jones have to be heated, facing pay a big, let it drag with drama, or trade him, none easy after missing that draft chance. Both sides dug in deep, no trade happened before or during the first round, leaving Dallas exposed without a backup plan at receiver. Pickens holds all the cards now, forcing the Cowboys to lock him in long-term or risk starting the season short-handed.