The Dallas Cowboys have recently made the move to put the franchise tag on star WR George Pickens.
MORE: Kansas Chiefs make decision on Jawaan Taylor
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Pickens was outstanding for the Cowboys in the 2025 NFL season after he joined the NFC East side from the Pittsburgh Steelers via trade.
Orlovsky believes Pickens franchise tag could be risky
Given the major role which Pickens played in Dallas’ potent offense last year, ESPN NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky is concerned about how the 24 year old’s franchise tag situation could potentially affect the Cowboys’ preparations for the upcoming campaign.
"If he's going to miss this whole offseason, and then training camp, we know what that looks like. … If you're Dallas, you can't throw away this year."
—@danorlovsky7 on Dallas' handling of George Pickens' contract 👀 pic.twitter.com/90MqFBboXj
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) March 2, 2026
“That’s a problem for Dallas,” Orlovsky said during an appearance on ESPN’s Get Up. “That totally changes everything because if he’s (Pickens) going to miss this whole offseason, and then training camp, we know what that looks like.
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“We know the player’s more than likely going to get injured…he’s more than likely not going to produce the same way.
“If you’re Dallas, I understand the impossible thing, but if you’re Dallas you can’t throw away this year. This is a really important year, there’s a window.”
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Feb 2, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys receiver George Pickens during NFC practice at the NFL Flag Fieldhouse at Moscone Center South Building. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
After missing out on the NFL Playoffs last year, Dallas will certainly hope a deal can be worked out between their organization and Pickens.
Overall, there is no doubt that the Cowboys are a much stronger and more dangerous team when Pickens is ready and in prime position to produce each week while forming a formidable duo alongside CeeDee Lamb.
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