Pickens’ Free Agency Gamble | Dallas Cowboys News

The Dallas Cowboys slapped George Pickens with the franchise tag this offseason, costing them $27 million — a move that sets up a high-stakes 2026 season. If they don’t lock him down to a long-term deal, they’ll face an even pricier one-year tag next year, over $32 million. ESPN’s Bill Barnwell believes Dallas won’t cough up that much for a single season, giving Pickens a golden chance to dominate in 2026 and hit free agency as a top-tier receiver. At his prime and in a position teams desperately covet, Pickens could command a massive payday — likely far exceeding the franchise tag. With elite stats already on his resume, any contender would be eager to land him. The Cowboys might end up losing him for nothing, possibly just a third-round pick, which would be a huge missed opportunity — but a dream scenario for Pickens to secure a monster contract elsewhere. This is his defining moment, whether he stays or goes. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/642e26215380b6a4