Tag Deadline Approaching<\/p>\n
![\"1.](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/USATSI_27309216_168396005_lowres-1024x683.jpg\")
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) celebrates a touchdown during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
The Cowboys have until March 3 to officially designate Pickens with the franchise tag. If they do, the one-year tender \u2014 expected to be in the neighborhood of $28\u2013$30 million \u2014 would keep him in Dallas for at least the 2026 season while both sides continue to negotiate a long-term agreement.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want Pickens here. We think the world of him,\u201d Jones said at the combine, underscoring the team\u2019s desire to retain him even if a contract extension isn\u2019t finalized before the tag deadline.<\/p>\n
Mutual Interest, But No Deal \u2014 Yet<\/p>\n
Pickens, 24, enjoyed a breakout season in 2025 after being acquired from the Pittsburgh Steelers. He caught 93 passes for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl selection. Despite the productive year and clear chemistry with quarterback Dak Prescott and fellow receiver CeeDee Lamb, contract talks between his camp and Dallas have stalled, prompting the club to consider the franchise tag as a safeguard.<\/p>\n
While both sides reportedly want to work something out, the tag would guarantee Pickens a fully guaranteed salary for 2026. The Cowboys would have control over his services while extending the negotiating window until July 15th. That is the NFL\u2019s deadline for converting a franchise tag into a long-term contract.<\/p>\n
Potential Fallout and Negotiation Dynamics<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/default-113-1024x639.jpg\")
Nov 23, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receivers George Pickens (3) and CeeDee Lamb (88). They react during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
Using the franchise tag isn\u2019t without risks. Past Cowboys contract sagas \u2014 most notably with players like CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons \u2014 have shown that negotiations can become tense when contract extensions are prolonged deep into the offseason. Should Pickens be tagged, there\u2019s speculation he might not report to offseason programs while talks continue.<\/p>\n
The tag route also preserves Dallas\u2019s flexibility in managing its salary cap and offseason priorities. This is an important factor for a team still trying to address its defensive deficiencies after a disappointing 2025 campaign.<\/p>\n
Next Steps for Cowboys and Pickens<\/p>\n
With the tag decision looming and ongoing talks between the organization and Pickens\u2019s representatives, Cowboys fans can expect this storyline to unfold over the coming weeks. If the tag is applied, it buys both sides more time. It also sets the stage for another offseason negotiation saga around one of the NFL\u2019s most explosive young receivers.<\/p>\n
Whether Pickens will ultimately sign a long-term deal in Dallas or play out the tag year before testing free agency remains the question at the heart of this offseason drama.<\/p>\n
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