Why Cowboys WR George Pickens delaying signing of franchise tag shouldn't sound alarms

If the WR thinks refusing to sign the tag will facilitate a trade, he's mistaken. Pickens isn't under contract, so he can't be moved elsewhere until he is. If Dallas traded him to another team after he signed the deal, the pass-catcher would have until July 15 at 4 p.m. ET to negotiate a multiyear contract with his new club. If it traded him after that date, he would have to play on the deal.

The Cowboys, though, have made it clear they would prefer to keep Pickens, despite saying last Wednesday that they don't plan to sign him to a contract extension. 

"We're thrilled that George is here and we expect him to have another big year, like he did last year, and that's not gonna change," head coach Brian Schottenheimer said, via Patrik Walker of the team website. 

Pickens not signing his franchise tag during voluntary minicamp could be his way of rebelling. He earned a reputation as a rule-breaker during his first three seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Pickens should have his deal signed well before the start of the regular season in September. Per CBS Sports, he'll miss out on $1.52M per week if he doesn't.

Pickens, 25, is clearly displeased with his contract situation. Even so, he may not attract many trade suitors after his tumultuous tenure in Pittsburgh. With that in mind, his best option may be playing on the deal and turning in another monster year. The WR earned a 2025 second-team All-Pro nod after ranking eighth in the NFL in receptions (93), third in receiving yards (1,429) and tying for eighth in touchdown catches (nine).