Dallas Cowboys Face Franchise Tag Dilemma With All-Pro WR George Pickens

The Dallas Cowboys are approaching a crucial offseason decision involving NFL All-Pro wide receiver George Pickens, one that could significantly shape both their short-term competitiveness and long-term roster construction. Dallas has the option to apply the franchise tag to Pickens, a move that would keep him off the open market and bind him to the Cowboys for one more season at an estimated cost of $29.5 million.

While tagging Pickens would ensure elite production remains in Dallas for another year, it is far from a risk-free solution. The former Steelers standout has built a reputation as an emotional and highly competitive player, and preventing him from exploring free agency could easily backfire.

A forced one-year commitment may lead to internal friction—or one of Pickens’ well-documented on-field or sideline meltdowns—if he feels his long-term value is being suppressed.

Why a Tag-and-Trade May Be the Cowboys’ Best Move

In an ideal scenario, the Cowboys could identify a trade partner willing to both compensate Dallas with premium picks and immediately negotiate a long-term extension with Pickens. Allowing Pickens some say in his destination—possibly by offering him a shortlist of teams—could help avoid conflict while ensuring the Cowboys maximize value from one of their most valuable assets.

The final alternative is simply letting Pickens walk into free agency untouched. While that would free Dallas from future financial obligations, it would almost certainly mean watching an elite receiver secure a massive contract elsewhere with no return beyond cap relief.

Pro Football Focus Sees Atlanta as Ideal Landing Spot

Should Pickens reach free agency, Pro Football Focus has already identified a prime destination: the Atlanta Falcons of the NFC South. With Kevin Stefanski taking over as head coach, Atlanta appears to be a franchise seeking offensive firepower and identity.

“The change of scenery to Dallas cemented Pickens as a bona fide elite name at the receiver position,” wrote PFF analyst Mason Cameron. “Entering his age-25 season, he’ll have no shortage of suitors this free agency cycle.”

Pickens is coming off the most productive year of his career. In the 2025 season, he earned a career-best 87.2 PFF receiving grade, finishing top three in the NFL in receiving yards (1,429) and explosive plays, including 38 receptions of 15-plus yards.

Cameron emphasized that the upcoming season will be a critical juncture for Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr., and adding Pickens to an offense already featuring Drake London could dramatically accelerate Penix’s development. The potential pairing would instantly form one of the most electrifying wide receiver duos in the league.

Falcons’ Roster Built to Compete Now

Although Atlanta has struggled in recent years, the foundation for success is clearly in place. The Falcons have not posted a winning season since 2017, and they recently fired head coach Raheem Morris after consecutive 8–9 finishes.

Despite the lack of playoff appearances, Atlanta boasts one of the league’s most talented young rosters. On offense, Bijan Robinson is widely viewed as the NFL’s premier running back and a true game-changing weapon. Defensively, the Falcons are building around ascending talents such as edge rusher James Pearce Jr. and ball-hawking safety Xavier Watts.

With a stabilizing quarterback plan and the addition of a dominant receiver like Pickens, Atlanta could realistically transform into a perennial playoff contender in a wide-open NFC.

Pickens’ First All-Pro Season Sparks League-Wide Debate

The Cowboys acquired Pickens in May via a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers, sending a third-round pick in return. The investment paid immediate dividends.

In 2025, Pickens finished fourth in the NFL in receiving, hauling in 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns. His performance earned him his first All-Pro selection, a milestone that cemented his status among the league’s elite receivers.

However, controversy followed when Pickens was named to the second-team All-Pro, rather than joining Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams and Jaxon Smith-Njigba of the Seattle Seahawks on the first team.

The final first-team spot instead went to Cincinnati Bengals star Ja’Marr Chase, igniting debate across social media and sports media circles. Chase finished the season with 125 receptions, 1,412 yards, and eight touchdowns, but was also suspended for one game after spitting on an opponent.

“How did George Pickens not get first-team All-Pro over Ja’Marr Chase?” fantasy football analyst William Spencer III wrote on X.

“Honestly, I think George Pickens should’ve made first-team ALL PRO over Ja’Marr Chase,” BKS Sports echoed.

What’s Next for Pickens and Dallas?

The Cowboys finished 7-9-1, missing the playoffs for the second consecutive season, while the Bengals went 6-11 and also failed to qualify for the postseason. For many observers, Pickens’ elite production stood in stark contrast to Dallas’ lack of team success.

As the offseason unfolds, the Cowboys must decide whether to commit short-term money, pursue a high-value trade, or walk away entirely. One thing is certain: George Pickens’ future will be one of the most closely watched storylines of the NFL offseason, and whatever decision Dallas makes will have ripple effects across the league.