After extensive negotiations, the Dallas Cowboys took the step this Friday that the entire league had anticipated – one delayed not only by the front office but also by George Pickens’ agents – as the wide receiver has now officially received the franchise tag, securing his rights at least for the 2026 season.
With this move, the team guarantees the continuity of its most explosive offensive weapon, although the path toward a long-term agreement is only just beginning.
The tag guarantees Pickens approximately $28 million for the upcoming cycle. However, Dallas opted for the non-exclusive designation, a strategic move that allows the player to negotiate with other teams starting March 11.
The risk for Dallas is calculated: if Pickens receives an outside offer, the Cowboys have the right to match it or, alternatively, decline and receive two first-round draft picks as compensation.
Pickens posted career highs last season with 93 receptions, 1,429 yards, and nine touchdowns, and head coach Brian Schottenheimer made it clear about his desire to retain him.
However, analyst Ian Rapoport warned that Mulugheta “doesn’t like that tag,” meaning negotiations could shift in the coming days.
Jerry Jones and David Mulugheta: A necessary truce after the Parsons saga
The success of these negotiations depends on a factor beyond the field: the tense relationship between Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and Pickens’ agent, David Mulugheta. It is worth remembering that Mulugheta was at the center of Micah Parsons’ departure, which followed a contractual stalemate that ultimately resulted in a trade to the Green Bay Packers.
Despite past friction, Jones stated that he hopes to work with them positively and described Pickens’ representation team as “experts,” aiming to avoid a disagreement similar to the one that occurred with Parsons.
For his part, team COO Stephen Jones expressed optimism following a private meeting: “Jerry had a great visit with him yesterday… he was excited to know he wasn’t going anywhere.”
With the July 15 deadline on the horizon, Dallas is seeking to prevent Pickens’ success story from becoming another farewell saga – especially for a team that was among the league’s best offensively last season but now needs defensive improvement to achieve balance.
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