Cowboys insider Bryan Broaddus told 105.3 The Fan that there’s no urgency to use the franchise tag right away, indicating a willingness to carry the tag into the later stages of the window. The franchise tag window opened on Tuesday, with a March 3 deadline looming.
Watkins reported that Pickens’ agents want to begin negotiations during the NFL combine, which runs February 26 through March 1. This aligns with a common strategy to kick off talks ahead of free agency, while the tag decision remains unsettled.
The timing could impact whether Dallas can secure a long-term deal before free agency. If talks stall, the Cowboys would likely rely on the franchise tag to buy time and avoid losing the receiver without compensation.
Market estimates suggest Pickens could command a substantial contract. Spotrac projects about $122.4 million over four years ($30.6 million average annually). By contrast, the 2026 franchise tag for a wide receiver is projected near $28 million.
Dallas’s approach to negotiations remains notable given the franchise tag’s role in long-term talks. Delays in tag placement have previously sparked concern among fans and pundits, though teams often use the tag to extend rather than immediately commence negotiations.
Ultimately, a long-term deal between Dallas and Pickens before free agency remains a plausible path to avoid the tag, but the outcome will hinge on the pace of negotiation and the Cowboys’ willingness to commit to a large, multi-year contract.
