The Dallas Cowboys have officially placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens, setting his contract value at approximately $27.3 million. This decision is seen as a strategic move to retain Pickens, with team executives expressing that losing him was not an option. While the franchise tag is a starting point in negotiations, discussions about a potential long-term deal are expected to follow. Stephen Jones highlighted the urgency of keeping Pickens in the fold, emphasizing his importance to the team. Despite the franchise tag, there remain questions about the future, including the possibility of Pickens considering other opportunities in free agency. Analysts and fans are divided on the implications of this move, with some suggesting it could lead to complications in the Cowboys’ salary cap strategy.