Former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum expressed skepticism about the Dallas Cowboys’ decision to use the franchise tag on George Pickens. As Pickens approaches free agency following a breakout season with Dallas, concerns are emerging about whether the move will benefit either party.
Dallas Cowboys Face Challenges After Micah Parsons Trade
The Cowboys found themselves in a difficult position throughout the 2025 NFL season, especially after trading defensive star Micah Parsons. Their defense struggled due to a lack of standout talent, contributing to a second straight season without a playoff berth. Despite these setbacks, their offense showed promise, led by quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who formed an effective partnership on the field.
George Pickens, who joined Dallas in 2025 after three years with the Pittsburgh Steelers, quickly emerged as a key offensive weapon. He delivered the best performance of his career, setting new personal records with 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. His impact was recognized league-wide, ranking third among wide receivers on PFSN’s WR Impact list, behind only Puka Nacua and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Uncertainty Surrounding Pickens’ Franchise Tag Scenario
Given Pickens’ impressive season, the Cowboys are keen to keep him on the roster and continue building their offense around his connection with Prescott and Lamb. Still, with salary cap constraints looming, Dallas appears inclined to rely on the franchise tag to retain Pickens. This approach, however, is met with doubt by Tannenbaum.
During his tenure as the New York Jets’ general manager, Tannenbaum was involved in guiding the team to multiple playoff appearances. Drawing from his experience, he warns that the Cowboys’ expectations for Pickens could cause friction as contract negotiations proceed.
The team is going to say, ‘We have CeeDee Lamb, we have our number 1 receiver, and you’re a great number 2. And that’s about $28.7 million.’ George Pickens is gonna say, ‘Did you watch the season? I’m a number 1 wide receiver. If you don’t think so, let me go in the market, and I’ll prove it to you.’
?Mike Tannenbaum, Former NFL GM
Tannenbaum anticipates a substantial gap between the team’s valuation and Pickens’ demands, estimating a difference of $10 to $12 million. Such disparity, he suggests, could keep Pickens away from offseason activities.
I think there’s zero chance he’s in the offseason program, and I think there’s zero chance we see George Pickens before Labor Day.
?Mike Tannenbaum, Former NFL GM
Historic Contract Disputes Could Signal Future Struggles
The Cowboys have faced recurring contract difficulties in recent years, with high-profile players like Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons engaging in protracted negotiations before reaching agreements near the start of seasons. There was hope that Pickens’ situation would unfold differently, but Tannenbaum believes the young receiver could become the latest example of offseason contractual discord.
With George Pickens potentially absent from key team events leading up to the season, and a significant financial divide between the player and management, the Cowboys’ offensive outlook may depend heavily on how this standoff resolves. The franchise’s handling of Pickens’ status will likely impact their ability to sustain offensive momentum and shape the team’s future roster strategy heading into the next NFL season.
“I don’t know how Dallas, quite honestly, really rectifies this situation.”
—@LRiddickESPN on how the Cowboys should approach negotiations with George Pickens 👀 pic.twitter.com/0UyGmykQvL
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) February 27, 2026
