All the details on franchise tagging and George Pickens.
The franchise tag is not desirable for players — despite being fully guaranteed — because there is no long-term security.
Teams say they use it as a stepping-stone to a long-term agreement, although that does not always happen. And since the tag is guaranteed, the entire $28 million will count against the Cowboys’ cap, which chews up a lot of space for a team with numerous needs. A long-term deal would eat up considerably less.
As the tag beckons, here are some frequently asked questions related to the Cowboys and Pickens:
What happens after Pickens is tagged by Dallas?
If Pickens signs the tender right away, he is guaranteed to make at least $28 million in 2026. But it is not likely he signs the tender immediately and gives up even his tiny bit of leverage on a long-term deal. The Cowboys have used the NFL scouting combine as the jumping-off point in most negotiations, so they will likely meet with Pickens’ agents, Trevon Smith and David Mulugheta, on Jones’ luxury bus in Indianapolis.
The deadline that matters, however, is July 15. Without a long-term agreement by then, Pickens would have to play on the tag in 2026. As has become customary with the Cowboys, this could go to the wire if they get down the road at all.
Almost all Cowboys fans want Jadeveon Clowney back.
What He Did in 2025
What he did was, well, find the aforementioned groove, and in a big way. Before the season was all said-and-done, Clowney was the best pass rusher in the building, and not simply because others struggled mightily to consistently get to the opposing quarterback. Clowney had a very good season by any contextual measurement, and in multiple categories.
The 32-year-old notched a team-high in sacks (8.5), also this second-highest tally in the past four seasons, along with four pass break ups, two fumble recoveries, a forced fumble and 41 combined tackles that include 10 quarterback hits; and he did it all with only six (!!) starts in 13 games. Imagine if he’d been unleashed sooner by now-fired defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus.
Why He Could Stay
To put it plainly, re-read the previous sentence. Clowney continuously made it clear he’d be interested in re-signing with the Cowboys due to the brotherhood in the locker room, one he says is unlike any he’s been a part of, and also that he’d prefer to sign early in the offseason to avoid missing the team’s offseason conditioning program and training camp — all of this despite the franchise-worst defensive production under Eberflus.
With the arrival of Christian Parker and heralded, talented and fast-rising defensive minds in tow, it would make sense that Clowney potentially feels that much more excited about the possible turnaround in the works in Dallas on that side of the ball. And if things come together for the defense, finally, it could combine with a prolific offense to give Clowney one of the best chances he’s ever had at landing a ring.
A 2025 Cowboys re-draft.
Round 3, Pick 76
Original pick: East Carolina CB Shavon Revel
Re-draft selection: Western Kentucky CB Upton Stout
This is tough because I think Revel has a lot of ability. With new defensive coordinator Christian Parker, new defensive passing game coordinator Derrick Ansley and new secondary coach Ryan Smith, there’s a good chance Revel could climb toward the potential that had everyone so excited about him coming out of the draft — especially with a full offseason. I just think there’s more risk compared to the assurance of someone like Stout, who was an instant contributor in San Francisco as the 100th overall pick. The Cowboys have also reiterated that the loss of Jourdan Lewis stung them this season. Stout, with a similar tenacity, would’ve been a great replacement.
Round 5, Pick 149
Original pick: Texas RB Jaydon Blue
Re-draft selection: Rutgers RB Kyle Monangai
There was a lot of excitement about Blue coming out of Texas. In the final game against the Giants, he showed why, flashing his top-end speed and shiftiness. It took until the final game of the season for Blue to be a factor, however. Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer mentioned multiple times that he wanted Blue to improve as a professional during the week if he wanted to play on Sundays. Blue, himself, noted that it was a learning process. Monangai, drafted 233rd overall by Chicago, could’ve immediately been a tough and reliable piece in the backfield.
Dak gets ranked at #3 for NFL QBs after 2025 season
Rank 3
Dallas Cowboys · Year 10
2025 stats: 17 games | 67.3 pct | 4552 pass yds | 7.6 ypa | 30 pass TDs | 10 INTs | 177 rush yds | 2 rush TDs | 6 fumbles
2024 final ranking: 19 | 2023: 6 | 2022: 11 | 2021: 9 | 2020: 16 | 2019: 11 | 2018: 18 | 2017: 20 | 2016: 7
Dak Prescott was the reason the Cowboys finished anywhere near .500 this season. He proved himself as one of the NFL’s best passers, completing a league-high 404 attempts for 4,552 yards and 30 touchdowns. He powered George Pickens‘ career-best season and reminded us of his value throughout Dallas’ up-and-down campaign. The hope is that the Cowboys can maximize his talents better in 2026.
