Pickens franchise tag compensation would not exactly be chump change. I think it comes down to treading in contractual waters with Pickens and see how this team is reconstructed via the draft and free agency. Since an extended contract with the Cowboys will be financially impactful for years to come I can see why the Cowboys are likely going in this franchise direction unless they get outstanding compensation trading for Pickens.
The only real way to save money is with long-term deals, because of how they’re structured. Either way, the money’s being spent, so it doesn’t matter. The fact is, he doesn’t want to play on the franchise tag and might even hold out. I think the Cowboys should use the tag as leverage for a contract extension, not to lock him in for the year, because this isn’t the type of player or agent you want to force into playing unhappy.
$28.8 million isn’t chump change—it’s pretty close to fair value. That’s the starting point. If they make it non-exclusive, he can gauge real interest from other teams, and the Cowboys can see what he’s worth and entertain offers. He either needs a long-term deal or to be traded; either way, it benefits both sides.
I’ve assumed all along the tag was coming. Now it’s a matter of which tag—first-round tender, non-exclusive, whatever. This isn’t the player or agent you want threatening a holdout like we saw with Parsons. Some guys are fine making market money, and for a team with a highly paid WR1, their WR2 makes around that range. I’d cap it at $30 million.
If he doesn’t want to play for that, take the first-round pick, turn it into multiple picks, and spread the $30 million-plus savings across the roster.
I don’t think anyone loses here except fans who believe not having George Pickens would end the Cowboys season—LOL. That's so delusional...

