Why this ex-NFL star believes George Pickens is set for a 'gigantic mistake' with $27.3 million gamble

The July 15 deadline for franchise-tagged players to sign multi-year extensions has officially passed, meaning George Pickens will play the upcoming season under a one-year, $27.3 million fully guaranteed franchise tag. The Dallas Cowboys cannot negotiate a long-term extension with their wide receiver until the regular season ends.

It was hardly surprising as Dallas executive Stephen Jones explicitly stated the team decided not to negotiate a long-term deal with Pickens this offseason. 

Meanwhile, former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho thinks would be making a huge mistake by playing on the franchise tag in 2026.

“Do you guys think George Pickens is making a mistake?” Acho said in the “Speakeasy” podcast  “Absolutely. Now again, until I see George Pickens lace up a game, I'm still not convinced that like he's playing in Dallas on this tag. I'm still not convinced.

“I got to see it to believe it because I haven't seen it before in the history of that agency, recent history. But if he does play on the tag, it's a gigantic mistake. You work to get a long-term contract.”

Pickens enjoyed the best season of his career in 2025, recording 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and 9 touchdowns. The Cowboys front office highly values his talent, but they “are not comfortable” giving him that financial security by signing him to a long-term deal, as ESPN analyst and former NFL executive Louis Riddick said.

Despite skipping voluntary offseason workouts, Pickens reported to mandatory minicamp and publicly said that he has no intention of holding out for training camp or the regular season. We will now have to see if he actually suits up for the Cowboys in 2026 and prove his worth to potentially secure a long-term deal.

More NFL news: 

• Colts ready to dump once-promising franchise QB as Cowboys emerge in surprise trade buzz
• Jerry Jones, Cowboys urged to take a chance on controversial former first-round pick
• Brian Schottenheimer, Cowboys lose key pass rusher for start of 2026 NFL season
• Jerry Jones' $96 million investment at guard is already paying off according to executives around the league
• George Pickens' next contract just became much easier to predict