Controversial Cowboys Decision Could Cause George Pickens to ‘Revolt'

Most are surprised that Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens signed his franchise tender and hasn't tried forcing a trade out of Dallas.

It's no secret that Pickens wants to get paid - presumably among the top five WRs in the league - and settling for a one-year, guaranteed $27.3 million deal certainly isn't what he had in mind.

But perhaps if Pickens replicates his breakout 2025 season (93 catches, 1,429 yards, nine touchdowns), the Cowboys will feel much better about handing him a long-term contract in the $30 million to $35 million-per-year range.

If Dallas plans to franchise tag Pickens again next season, things could get ugly fast, according to one NFL executive.

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

"I’m kind of surprised it didn’t get ugly this offseason," the executive added. "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."

Why It Matters

Pickens just turned 25, and if he's franchise-tagged again, he'll be 27 before he lands the multiyear contract he's searching for.

Though the 2027 franchise tag would pay him $32.6 million, which would make him the sixth-highest paid receiver in the league, Pickens would still be leaving money on the table.

The Georgia alum ranked third in the NFL in receiving yards last season, and eighth in receptions and touchdowns, and considering the other pass-catchers who put up similar production - Seattle's Jaxon Smith-Njigba ($42.15 million per year), Cincinnati's Ja'Marr Chase ($40.25 million per year), Detroit's Amon-Ra St. Brown ($30,02 million per year) - Pickens shouldn't settle for anything less than $35 million per season.

Pickens signed his tag without much kicking and screaming this offseason, but if the Cowboys try to play hardball with him again next year, he could (and should) play any card he can to force the team's hand - whether it be by hashing out an extension in Dallas or facilitating a trade elsewhere.

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This story was originally published May 14, 2026 at 5:44 PM.