The Dallas Cowboys are entering the final game of the 2025-26 season, before turning their attention to the NFL offseason, where the team will look to address some major holes on the roster.

Dallas will also have to make some key decisions with players who are set to hit the open market, including star wide receiver George Pickens, who will command a blockbuster extension after a career year.

However, the Cowboys have an out, but it will be costly.

The Cowboys can use the franchise tag on Pickens to keep him from hitting free agency. The franchise tag for wide receivers in the 2026 offseason will cost the team $28 million, but it is the most likely approach for the team, according to Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report.

“Dallas may not be eager to give Pickens the sort of long-term deal he’d likely command on the open market. It already has a ton of cap tied to Lamb and Quarterback Dak Prescott. The Cowboys were also willing to trade Micah Parsons because of the cost of adding a third massive salary to the mix. Pickens would likely command north of $30 million annually as a free agent,” Knox writes.

“The prediction here, though, is that he won’t get that opportunity until 2027 at the earliest. Prediction: Dallas uses the franchise tag on Pickens.”

While Dak Prescott and the coaching staff have expressed interest in Pickens returning to the Cowboys in 2026, it will be interesting to see how much of a long-term approach the team takes.

This season, Pickens ranks third in the league with 1,420 receiving yards, with 92 catches and nine touchdowns.