Cowboys Plan Franchise Tag for George Pickens Amid Contract Questions

The Dallas Cowboys plan to place the franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens, projected at $28.8 million, to prevent him from hitting the open market. Acquired from the Steelers last May, Pickens had a career-best 2025 season with 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns, leading Cowboys skill players in receiving yards. Despite his on-field success, questions about his off-field consistency and effort, including a missed curfew, give the Cowboys pause on a multi-year deal. Executives predict a long-term contract could start at $30-36 million, potentially surpassing CeeDee Lamb's deal, with the Cowboys applying a 'Micah Parsons Effect' logic to negotiations.