George Pickens Fires Back at $29 Million Franchise Tag Talk: 'I’ll Let My Game Do the Talking'
George Pickens is not concerned with speculation or numbers; he’s more focused on what he can control — his performance on the field. Amidst discussions about his potential $29 million franchise tag, the young wide receiver has made it clear where his priorities lie:
In response to the growing buzz surrounding his contract situation, Pickens fired back with a confident statement:
Pickens, known for his physicality, athleticism, and ability to make game-changing catches, has quickly become one of the top receivers in the NFL. Despite the noise surrounding his contract negotiations, the Steelers’ star remains focused on one thing:
The franchise tag speculation — pegging Pickens at a hefty $29 million — has raised eyebrows, but Pickens is taking the high road, emphasizing that his worth will be decided by his on-field contributions, not by what’s being discussed in the media. For him, the contract talks will come when they come.
Pickens has shown flashes of brilliance since entering the NFL, particularly during his rookie season, where he consistently displayed his deep-threat ability, making big catches and showing a unique connection with his quarterbacks. As one of the most explosive players on the field, Pickens’ value continues to climb — but he’s not interested in getting distracted by it.
For the Steelers, having a player like Pickens who is so focused on the game rather than external pressures is a significant asset. His dedication to growth and improvement is apparent, and it’s this work ethic that will undoubtedly play a major role in his future success. Whether or not the $29 million franchise tag materializes, Pickens is staying grounded, ensuring that his legacy will be built through hard work, dedication, and most importantly,
As the season progresses and the contract talks continue to unfold, Pickens’ determination to prove his worth is what truly stands out. It’s not about the money — it’s about the performance, and he’s ready to show the world exactly what he’s capable of.
Cowboys Called Out for $29 Million Franchise Tag Prediction
If the Dallas Cowboys look within just their own division, they can see how NFL contracts should work by looking at the Philadelphia Eagles. It’s a simple way of doing things.
When the Eagles have a great young player on their roster — someone who obviously has NFL All-Pro talent — they try and pay them. Earlier the better. When they do this, they almost always come out on top in terms of savings. You get a bargain if you cough up the cash right when you know a player has that kind of upside.
Waiting is always the ultimate killer. It kills the bottom line. It kills locker room morale. It kills any hope of winning Super Bowls.
To that end, the Cowboys seem to always wait. And they always lose. Now, they’re being put on blast for a report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler that says the franchise is contemplating a $29 million franchise tag for wide receiver George Pickens.
The Cowboys obtained Pickens on May 7 in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers, getting Pickens and a 2027 sixth round pick in exchange for a 2026 third round pick and 2027 fifth round pick.
Fowler has Pickens ranked as the No. 4 overall free agent in the 2026 cycle. Pickens is in the final season of the 4-year, $6.75 million rookie contract he signed in 2022.
“The Pickens experiment in Dallas has gone swimmingly,” Fowler wrote on Wednesday, November 12. “He is pacing for 1,400-plus yards and more than 10 touchdowns as the ideal counterpart to CeeDee Lamb. His immense talent — and the number of teams starved for receiver help — will drive his value … Pickens’ results with capable quarterback play around him are undeniable. (The franchise tag — which would be around $29 million — could be a backup option for Dallas.)”
To say the reaction to the Cowboys possibly franchise tagging Pickens was not favorable would be an understatement.
Fans Want Pickens in Dallas on Long Term Deal
The smart thing to do, at this point, would be to try and lock Pickens into a long term deal — think something along the lines of a 3-year, $90 million contract extension.
The backlash from the franchise tag report didn’t focus solely on calling out the Cowboys, either. It also pointed out, like Fowler wrote, there are a lot of teams who would kill to have Pickens on their roster.
“George Pickens is one of my top Free Agent targets for the Bills,” Bills Report wrote on its official X account on November 12. “Pickens has 764 yards on 49 Receptions, and 6 TDs to go with that. At just 24 years old Pickens would likely be looking for a big 4-ish year deal. If you want a WR1, he is tough to pass on.”
“Letting George Pickens walk would be malpractice,” Sleeper Cowboys wrote on its official X account.
“George Pickens has proven to be everything the Cowboys hoped he’d be when they traded to acquire him, and the consummate team guy is eager to do whatever’s needed for the unit, as a whole, to ‘dominate’ opps,” Cowboys.com’s Patrik Walker wrote on his official X account.
