The Dallas Cowboys acquired wide receiver George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers ahead of the 2025 season and are now reportedly planning to apply the franchise tag on the Pro Bowl player. Pickens, who delivered a career-best performance last year, is seeking a long-term contract, but the Cowboys have yet to finalize any agreement, creating uncertainty around the wide receiver’s future with the team.
The franchise tag, expected to cost Dallas around $28 million, must be officially announced before March 3. NFL analyst Nick Wright expressed skepticism about Cowboys owner Jerry Jones’ approach during a recent broadcast of the First Things First show.
“This is why you don’t trade for George Pickens if you don’t have a plan… If the season he just had was not enough for you to be like, we are going to pay him…then nothing would’ve been enough.”
In the last year of his rookie contract with the Steelers, Pickens recorded 93 catches for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns, proving himself as a valuable asset on the field.
Concerns Over Potential Holdout as Contract Talks Remain Unsettled
While the Cowboys intend to use the franchise tag on Pickens, reports from Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News warn that the wide receiver might hold out from offseason activities, including minicamp and possibly part of training camp, if a new contract is not reached. No formal contract negotiations have taken place yet, but forthcoming discussions are scheduled in Indianapolis.
Stephen Jones, Cowboys’ executive vice president, acknowledges the risks involved in the franchise tag approach.
“It can go either way,” Jones said. “So we’ll just continue to really analyze the situation and see what’s next.”
Implications for the Cowboys and George Pickens Moving Forward
Applying the franchise tag while delaying long-term contract talks has put the Cowboys in a precarious position regarding Pickens’ involvement in the team’s offseason preparation. The lack of a firm plan raises concerns about maintaining team cohesion and securing a key offensive player. How the Cowboys and Pickens resolve this situation could influence the team’s season prospects and signal the front office’s strategy in managing star talent.
What should the Cowboys do with Pickens? @getnickwright answers:
“This is why you don’t trade for George Pickens if you don’t have a plan… If the season he just had was not enough for you to be like, we are going to pay him…then nothing would’ve been enough.” pic.twitter.com/sXHRpW42vK
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) February 23, 2026
