As the NFL’s 2026 league year approaches in mid-March, teams have until March 3 at 4 p.m. ET to place franchise or transition tags on players set to become unrestricted free agents. The Dallas Cowboys confirmed that they will use the franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens, securing him for the upcoming season. This move follows a busy period when the Atlanta Falcons tagged tight end Kyle Pitts Sr., marking the start of the franchise tagging process this year.
Details Surrounding George Pickens’ Tag and Its Implications
The franchise tag carried by George Pickens is valued at roughly $28 million, reflecting his outstanding performance in the 2025 season. Pickens achieved career peaks with 93 receptions, 1,429 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns after being traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers last spring. The Cowboys aimed to ensure a longer-term partnership following his breakout year, using a non-exclusive franchise tag that allows other teams to negotiate with Pickens once free agency begins, creating uncertainty about his participation in offseason activities such as minicamps and training camp.
Pickens offers significant big-play potential, proven by his ability to make contested grabs, including a sideline catch over two defenders from the Philadelphia Eagles last season. He’s known for his ability to alter speed post-catch, a skill highlighted by his touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders. With CeeDee Lamb on the roster, the Cowboys believe they have a top-tier wide receiver duo in the NFL.
Statistically, Pickens recorded 13 receptions of 25 yards or more in 2025, ranking tied for fourth in the league. Additionally, 73 of his catches resulted in first downs, placing him third among NFL receivers. Despite his impressive numbers, it is anticipated he will play under the franchise tag for the upcoming season, as past Cowboys players tagged for the first time, like Dez Bryant in 2015, did not reach multiyear extensions immediately. Players such as DeMarcus Lawrence and Dak Prescott only signed extensions after being tagged multiple times, while Dalton Schultz and Tony Pollard departed after their tagged seasons.
“History says it is likely he will play on the tag. The Cowboys have not gotten a multiyear agreement done with a player they tagged for the first time since 2015 with receiver Dez Bryant. DE DeMarcus Lawrence and QB Dak Prescott were signed after they were tagged twice. TE Dalton Schultz (2022) and RB Tony Pollard (2023) left as free agents in the season after they were tagged.” – Todd Archer
Other Notable Franchise Tags in the 2026 NFL Offseason
Besides Pickens, the Falcons led the tagging process by placing a franchise tag on tight end Kyle Pitts Sr., who earned a salary of $16.3 million for the season. Pitts was a vital offensive asset in 2025, standing out as one of the NFL’s most productive tight ends apart from Arizona’s Trey McBride. The Falcons rely heavily on Pitts as a reliable target to support quarterback Michael Penix Jr., alongside key players Bijan Robinson and Drake London.
Pitts brings a rare combination of size and speed at 6-foot-6 and has developed a strong on- and off-field relationship with Penix, including shared travel and golfing outings. His most remarkable single-game performance came against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in December, where he tallied 11 catches for 166 yards and three touchdowns—marking the first time since Shannon Sharpe that a tight end achieved such numbers in one game.
“The Falcons hope the Penix-Pitts connection can blossom.” – Marc Raimondi
While Pitts has faced injury setbacks and uneven performances in the years following his 2021 rookie campaign, the Falcons are likely to expect a repeat of his strong 2025 output to confirm his status as one of the league’s premier tight ends. At only 25 years old, he remains a promising piece of Atlanta’s offense.
What the Franchise Tags Mean for the NFL Landscape Moving Forward
The franchise tagging period plays a critical role in shaping team rosters before free agency officially begins. These tags give teams control over key players for at least one more season, often serving as leverage to negotiate longer deals or decide whether to keep the player long-term. The Cowboys’ decision to place a non-exclusive tag on George Pickens signals both their desire to retain him and the openness to competition from other teams, creating an atmosphere of tension and strategic maneuvering.
As 2026 unfolds, attention will focus on whether Pickens and Pitts, among other tagged players, will sign extensions or head into free agency. Their performance in offseason programs and negotiations could significantly impact team fortunes and player careers. For Dallas, retaining Pickens represents an effort to capitalize on his breakout success and stabilize their receiving corps, while the Falcons look to maximize Pitts’ potential amid their offensive rebuilding.
