ESPN’s Adam Schefter was first to report on the Dallas Cowboys’ plans to use the franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens. But a conflicting report has now emerged from Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News.
Watkins says there has been no communication between the Cowboys and the people representing Pickens. He added that the NFL Combine in Indianapolis might be where the communication begins on the matter. An interesting twist in another big-time contract negotiation involving Dallas.
“Cowboys have not spoken to George Pickens’ reps about new contract or placing franchise tag on him according to a person with knowledge of the process,” Watkins said via X. “Pickens reps normally speak with teams at the combine about such measures and that should be the case now.”
Some more color on the situation came from Watkins in a follow-up tweet. The thought process behind applying the tag to Pickens was explained, while also pointing out a potential downside. Watkins also added to the report, saying he does believe Pickens will eventually be tagged despite no current communication.
“I expect Cowboys to tag George Pickens, it’s part of the process of keeping a player under team control,” Watkins said via X. “The issue is getting a deal done and if that tag prompts Pickens to stay away from facility until a deal is done. Cowboys in same boat as always with some of these contracts.
“Also, a person with knowledge of the process expects the Cowboys to place the franchise tag on George Pickens.”
The Cowboys have between Feb. 17 and March 3 to officially place the tag on Pickens. If they do, he will receive a fully guaranteed $28 million contract for the season. The possibility of signing a long-term extension would not be out of the equation.
Jerry Jones wants to keep George Pickens on Dallas Cowboys
Throughout the offseason, ownership expressed its desire to get a deal together. That includes owner Jerry Jones, who said he’d like to see Pickens stay in Dallas for the forseeable future.
“I’m talking to Geroge all the time by virtue of my excitement for him,” Jones said, via DallasCowboys.com’s Tommy Yarrish. “He’s better than, as far as what he contributed to our team, showing the potential that he could contribute. I’m looking forward to getting things worked out so George can be a Cowboy a long time.”
On3’s George Pickens contributed to this report