George Pickens has been more than the Cowboys could have dreamed he would be after acquiring him from the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 2026 3rd-round and 2027 5th-round draft picks. Pickens recorded 93 receptions, 1429 yards and nine touchdowns this season and has emerged as a premier wide receiver in the league. His reward from Dallas will be a franchise tag.

The Pro Bowler has expressed his desire to stay in Dallas even with his opportunity to test free agency. The franchise tag placement seems less a matter of Jerry Jones’s reluctance to open his chequebook and more a strategic leg up in negotiating a lucrative deal with Pickens. With a healthy trio of Lamb, Pickens and Prescott, the Cowboys could make some noise in the NFC East. Franchise tag or long-term deal, George Pickens will continue to gain value and climb ADP boards this offseason.

Author: Dane Madoche (@FF_DaMaddog)