The Dallas Cowboys are leaning toward using the franchise tag on Pro Bowl wide receiver George Pickens before the March 3 deadline, a move that would cost approximately $28 million. Executive Stephen Jones acknowledged the organization is aware of the potential for a player holdout, as has happened with other tagged players league-wide, though recent Cowboys examples like Dak Prescott participated fully in camp.

Jones confirmed the team will meet with Pickens' agents this week in Indianapolis. The Cowboys' history with the tag is mixed; they reached long-term deals with DeMarcus Lawrence and Prescott after second tags, but the last first-time tag to yield a major extension was Dez Bryant in 2015. The decision comes after agreeing to a three-year, $24 million deal with running back Javonte Williams.

A major consideration is cap management. While the team can afford both Pickens and CeeDee Lamb—the NFL's third-highest paid WR at $34 million—allocating over $60 million to two receivers impacts resources for a defense needing a new coordinator in Christian Parker. The Cowboys plan to restructure contracts for Prescott, Lamb, Osa Odighizuwa, and Tyler Smith to create 2026 cap space.

Jones stated the team can still be active in free agency even with the Pickens tag, but their splashy signing drought since 2012 highlights a cautious approach. The final decision hinges on evaluating the defensive free-agent market's value against locking in a core offensive weapon for another season.