Overview
- ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Dallas is expected to use the wide receiver tag on Pickens for about $28 million, with the window running Feb. 17–March 3.
- Jeremy Fowler says Pickens wants to stay but will not take less than market value at roughly $30 million per year, raising the risk of a standoff if he is tagged.
- Public voices are urging Dallas to keep him, with Hall of Famers Michael Irvin and Torry Holt calling for a long‑term commitment and CeeDee Lamb praising Pickens’ impact.
- Trade and tag‑and‑trade scenarios are being floated on TV, including Ian Rapoport’s suggestion of a potential pick return and Jason McCourty’s hypothetical Maxx Crosby swap, though some analysts warn against dealing him.
- Dallas’ finances remain tight, with reports of a significant cap overage and Lamb already at $34 million per year, as Micah Parsons lightheartedly recruits Pickens to Green Bay and the receiver touts even bigger seasons ahead.