Key Highlights
- The Dallas Cowboys are interested in retaining wide receiver George Pickens beyond 2025.
- Pickens is currently in the last year of his rookie contract and has performed exceptionally well.
- A franchise tag could be a potential option for retaining Pickens, but it comes with financial constraints.
- Agent David Mulugheta represents Pickens and traditionally opposes the use of the franchise tag.
Dallas Cowboys’ Interest in Retaining George Pickens
The Dallas Cowboys are showing no signs of letting wide receiver George Pickens go after a stellar first season, as they want to retain him beyond 2025. As the team prepares for their upcoming match against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, sources indicate that retaining Pickens is a top priority for the organization. Pickens, who joined the Cowboys last May via trade from the Cincinnati Bengals, has quickly made an impact with his performances.
In just ten games this season, he has already accumulated 908 receiving yards, placing him second in the league. His contributions have been so significant that his performance is pushing him to be among the highest-paid receivers in the NFL.
Financial Considerations and Potential Options
Given Pickens’ importance to the team, retaining him for the future is a complex process. One potential option being considered by the Cowboys is using a franchise tag, which would provide them with one year of guaranteed salary but at an expected cost over $28 million. This route, however, could prove challenging due to Dallas’ projected limited salary-cap space in 2026.
Another approach being discussed involves tagging Pickens and attempting to trade him for future picks, a strategy that has historical precedent. However, this would be a backup option if the Cowboys aim to work out a long-term deal with the receiver.
Agent Negotiations and Financial Constraints
The negotiation process is complicated by the involvement of agent David Mulugheta, who represents Pickens along with Trevon Smith. Mulugheta has a history of pushing against the use of franchise tags for his clients, which could influence any potential discussions. Furthermore, the Cowboys currently face significant financial constraints due to having one of the least amount of projected salary-cap space in 2026.
While no contract talks have taken place as of now, sources suggest that retaining Pickens would require some financial maneuvering. A franchise tag might be more cap prohibitive than an extension, making it a less likely option compared to negotiating a long-term deal with the receiver.
Other Free Agency Considerations
The Cowboys also face other free agency considerations, such as dealing with their kicker Brandon Aubrey in a contract year. The team has shown interest in discussing terms with Aubrey, but no agreements have been reached yet. The use of a restricted free agent tender on Aubrey could be another option, with the second-round tender expected to be worth more than $5.6 million for one year.
In conclusion, the Dallas Cowboys are determined to retain George Pickens beyond 2025, but the path forward is fraught with challenges and complexities. The use of a franchise tag or trade possibilities remain under consideration as the team navigates through these difficult financial times.
