Arguably the most dynamic pass rusher if he hit the open market, Pickens was the Cowboys’ standout player after Dallas acquired him via trade with the Steelers last offseason.
He more than proved his ability as a potential WR1 when CeeDee Lamb missed time with a high ankle sprain, and even just looking at averages actually outpaced the longtime Cowboys star in several categories. Pickens, who made his first career Pro Bowl with 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns, also averaged 15.4 yards per reception, 5.5 receptions per game and 84.1 yards per game. Lamb (75 catches for 1,077 yards and three TDs) finished with 14.4 yards per reception, 5.4 receptions per game and 76.9 yards per game.
The two were perfect, high-quality additions to an offense that ranked seventh in scoring and second in yards, and the Cowboys certainly want Pickens in the fold after previously operating for several years with a seemingly wide gap between Lamb and Dak Prescott’s second-choice pass rusher.
Still, Pickens is well aware that he increased his contract value with his career campaign.
The tag for a wideout is projected to be $28.8 million, the second most expensive position in the NFL, and the deadline for the Cowboys to officially claim it runs from February 17th until the March 3rd 4pm ET deadline.
As it stands, the mark would put Pickens 11th in average salary among wide receivers heading into 2026, between the Chiefs’ Terry McLaurin and the Bengals’ Tee Higgins. Lamb is third, averaging $34 million per year.
Teams have until July 15 to sign a franchise-tagged player to an extension. Otherwise, the player must play on the tag or a one-year contract — despite a trade or individual holding out.
Dallas will be on the clock to decide exactly how to move forward with Pickens, but he certainly won’t hit free agency.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones recently said he would love to keep Pickens in Dallas for a “long time.” Step one in that process will be made public in the coming weeks via franchise tag, but an intriguing trade offer could see the Cowboys move on from Pickens.