NFL Exec Sounds Off on George Pickens, Cowboys Contract Talks After Franchise Tag

At least one NFL executive feels the Dallas Cowboys could be setting themselves up for another contentious contract holdout should the team offer George Pickens a second straight franchise tag in 2027, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Pickens, who has agreed to play the 2026 under a one-year, $27.3 million tag, could be eligible for another franchise tag worth around $32 million next season.

"Dallas is going to face a big decision because Pickens is set up to have another productive season and the receiver market has skyrocketed," one NFL executive told Fowler. "If they tag him again without the promise of a new deal, he could revolt."

The executive continued, per Fowler: "I'm kind of surprised it didn't get ugly this offseason. I understand the character stuff, but he produced at a ridiculous level last year. If he does it again, then he can hold their feet to the fire a little more. And they still have to be willing to hold that franchise tag number on their [2027] books, which isn't always easy."

Pickens was traded in May 2025 to the Cowboys from the Pittsburgh Steelers after a reported rift with former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.

Called upon to take on a bigger role amid CeeDee Lamb's injury absence early last season, Pickens responded by racking up a career-high 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in 17 games during first Pro Bowl campaign.

Only the Seattle Seahawks' Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Los Angeles Rams' Puka Nacua recorded more receiving yards last season, and Smith-Njigba just reset the wide receiver market by signing a deal worth $41.15 million annually.

The Cowboys have previously signed players including quarterback Dak Prescott and defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence to multiyear extensions after using two franchise tags on each player. Dallas could be hoping to stay below the top of the wide receiver market by using a similar tactic with Pickens.

After failed contract negotiations with Micah Parsons led to his trade request and eventual move to the Green Bay Packers last fall, however, the Cowboys will hope to maintain a more positive relationship with Pickens going forward.