The Dallas Cowboys had been reportedly “nowhere” in contract negotiations with broad receiver George Pickens on Wednesday morning. They’re persevering with to move in that path.
After the report, Cowboys govt vp Stephen Jones revealed they’re not engaged on a multiyear deal for Pickens and plan to have him play on the franchise tag (a one-year, $27.298M deal) this upcoming season.
Cowboys’ Stephen Jones discusses George Pickens determination
“We have decided that we will have George Pickens [play under the franchise tag],” Jones stated, through DLLS Cowboys. “So, there will not be negotiations on a long-term deal.”
Jones does not know whether or not it will decide whether or not Pickens participates within the workforce’s offseason program. Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer stays optimistic that the state of affairs will resolve itself.
“We’re thrilled that George is right here and we anticipate him to have one other massive 12 months, like he did final 12 months, and that is not gonna change,” the coach said, per Patrik Walker of the workforce web site.
The Cowboys’ refusal to barter with Pickens, nonetheless, ought to increase eyebrows. It places them susceptible to shedding one other star after buying and selling defensive finish Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers following a contract dispute final offseason.
Why George Pickens replace could remind a few of Micah Parsons state of affairs
Pickens has but to signal his franchise tender with the Cowboys. The deadline to signal franchise-tagged gamers is July 15 at 4 p.m. ET. Per CBS Sports, he’d miss out on roughly $1.52M per week if he does not signal the weeks main as much as the common season in September.
The replace could persuade the WR to request a commerce. He would entice a number of suitors after a profession 12 months. 2022 second-round choose Pickens etched profession highs in receptions (93), receiving yards (1,429) and landing catches (9) final season, incomes a second-team All-Professional nod.
The WR reportedly caused headaches throughout his first three seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Regardless of that, loads of needy groups (Kansas City Chiefs) would nonetheless be keen to pay a pass-catcher of his expertise.
Dallas could also be banking on Pickens accepting the tag, as quarterback Dak Prescott did in 2020 and former operating again Tony Pollard did in 2023. Prescott signed an extension the next offseason, whereas Pollard joined the Tennessee Titans in 2024.
One would assume that after the Parsons debacle final offseason, the Cowboys would need to keep away from one other standoff with one in every of their stars. However some issues by no means change in Dallas.
The Cowboys are taking one other massive threat in assuming Pickens will signal the tag. They’d higher hope it really works out, or else they could lose one other star participant for a second consecutive 12 months.
