Why history might repeat itself for the Dallas Cowboys and George Pickens originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Cowboys put an end to the speculation on Wednesday as Stephen Jones confirmed during the team’s pre-draft press conference that there will be no long-term contract for George Pickens this offseason, and the receiver will play on his $27.29 million franchise tag.
No talks are ongoing, and Jones gave no indication that changes anytime soon.
“We’ve made a decision that we’re gonna have George play under the franchise tag, which won’t be a first for us. There won’t be negotiations on a long-term deal. That’s certainly not a first for this organization and won’t be a first in the league, in terms of this decision as we move forward. So whether it’s Dak Prescott, who played under one and then got tagged a second time, whether that’s DeMarcus Lawrence or whether it’s Tony Pollard, we’ve had those situations.” Jones said.
“We’re so fired up to have George on this football team. He’s been here for a year, and we gave up a third-round pick for him and he’s made tremendous progress in the year he’s been here. He’ll be the first to tell you this is a great situation for him, playing with CeeDee [Lamb] and Dak, and in Schottenheimer’s offense. He loves Coach Schottenheimer and what he brings to the table. But this is the conscious decision we’ve made.” Jones added.
Pickens’ July 15 deadline is now the only real leverage he has
Pickens posted 93 catches, 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns in his first season with Dallas and is reportedly seeking around $35 million per year.
The Cowboys are not willing to go there this summer, at least not yet.
“I’m skeptical that there’ll be an extension,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter said on The Pat McAfee Show earlier this month. “George Pickens is not allowed to be in that building unless he signs the franchise tender. He’s not going to sign that franchise tender without there being a long-term deal. I don’t see a long-term deal coming into focus until right before the deadline, which tells you that there’s a real probability that George Pickens will not be there for the offseason program.”
And there is one more thing here.
Pickens is represented by David Mulugheta, the same agent who handled Micah Parsons’ contract negotiations. The talks ultimately failed, leading to Parsons being traded to Green Bay last season. Maybe this current standoff is a clear case of history repeating itself.
Jerry Jones said in March that Dallas has “long-term plans” for Pickens. But the Cowboys let Tony Pollard and Dalton Schultz walk after tagging them, so good intentions only go so far.
The July 15 deadline is it. If no deal is done by then, Pickens plays on the tag or holds out. We have been here with the Cowboys before, and it did not end well last time.