The Dallas Cowboys entered this offseason having to make a decision on George Pickens.
The former Pittsburgh Steelers WR had his contract end when the season ended, sending him toward free agency.
Pickens won't get to be a free agent, though.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter on Saturday night, the Cowboys plan to extend the franchise tag to Pickens.
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That franchise tag secures Pickens for the 2026 season at a rate expected to be $28 million.
The Cowboys likely want to still get a contract extension done for the long-term with Pickens. But this step at least ensures no one else will be negotiating with Pickens.
The tag can't officially be applied until Feb. 17.
"The tag undoubtedly is coming, if for no other reason than to serve as a placeholder for the start of negotiations designed to keep him in Dallas," Schefter writes.
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