Cowboys expected to franchise tag WR Pickens for $28 million, says Jones

The Dallas Cowboys are poised to place the franchise tag on Pro Bowl wide receiver George Pickens, a move that underscores their commitment to retaining key offensive talent.

Why it matters: Retaining Pickens is crucial for the Cowboys as they seek to maintain competitiveness in an increasingly challenging NFC landscape.

• With a projected franchise tag cost of approximately $28 million for one year, fully guaranteed, the team is making a significant investment in its offensive future.
• By applying the tag between February 17 and March 3, the Cowboys would secure Pickens for at least another season while continuing negotiations for a long-term deal.

What's new: Pickens enjoyed a breakout season last year, recording career highs with 90 receptions, 1,409 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns.

• His performance has established him as a pivotal figure in the Cowboys' passing game, further emphasizing the urgency of retaining his services.

Yes, but: While the franchise tag offers immediate security, it also reflects a broader trend of teams being cautious with investments in skilled players amid fluctuating salary cap conditions.

• The Cowboys are facing the reality of having 15 unrestricted free agents this offseason, including running back Javonte Williams and defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, complicating their financial landscape.

What to watch: The Cowboys’ negotiations with Pickens will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike, particularly given the importance placed on retaining him by both ownership and coaching staff.

• Owner Jerry Jones has expressed excitement about Pickens's contributions and potential, stating, "I'm looking forward to getting things worked out so George can be a Cowboy a long time."

Zoom In: Dak Prescott, the Cowboys quarterback, has echoed the sentiment that keeping Pickens is vital to the team's success.

• Prescott emphasized, "We've got to find a way to keep him here," which highlights the alignment between the quarterback and management regarding roster decisions.

The bottom line: As the Cowboys navigate the complexities of their offseason roster management, securing George Pickens through a franchise tag represents both a strategic necessity and a vote of confidence in the player’s ability to elevate the team's offensive capabilities.