Ian Rapoport just opened the door for a George Pickens nightmare

If you're already fatigued by the George Pickens contract discourse, strap in, because it's just getting started. In a perfect world, Pickens ends up with a star on his helmet for years to come, but it seems like we are miles away from that outcome.

The Dallas Cowboys intend to franchise tag Pickens, which could set the stage for another drawn-out negotiation. While the tag could serve as a placeholder while the two sides hash out an agreement, co-owner Stephen Jones sounded like he'd be comfortable if Pickens were to play on the tag.

That feeling would not be reciprocated by Pickens' camp, as NFL Network's Ian Rapoport told 105.3 The Fan.

“David Mulugheta does not like the tag," Rapoport said. "He is not a fan. He’s had guys who have been on the tag. He does not like it. So, I don’t know what George Pickens is gonna do, I just know, historically, you may not see him for a bit. 

You want to see him for the offseason program? Good luck. Because generally those guys don’t sign in March, they sign in late August, because he doesn’t have to.  So if you tag Pickens and don’t do a deal, it’s gonna be a while, and it’s gonna be a saga.” 

The Dallas Cowboys need to be careful once they franchise tag George Pickens

Just what the doctor ordered: Another contract saga in Dallas.

The Cowboys delayed extensions for both Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. Prescott signed on the morning of Week 1 in 2024, and Lamb didn’t finalize his deal until the end of training camp, which contributed to a sluggish start as he worked to get back into football shape.

Dallas took the same approach with Micah Parsons. While they entered negotiations with the intention of making him the NFL's highest-paid defensive player, Jerry Jones let his ego get in the way, and the prolonged standoff created friction that poisoned the relationship beyond repair.

Whether it's on the franchise tag or a new contract, Stephen Jones confirmed at the NFL Combine that Pickens will be a Cowboy in 2026. There's some comfort in that, but it means very little if Pickens skips OTAs, mandatory minicamp, and potentially the start of training camp.

It’s impossible to predict how much the relationship would strain if Pickens doesn’t report until a new deal is signed. It's no secret that Pickens drums to his own beat, and Rapoport left no doubt that agent David Mulugheta does not like the franchise tag.

If there's any silver lining, it's that the Cowboys have been more proactive than usual. They've already extended Javonte Williams, and they reportedly have an offer on the table that would make Brandon Aubrey the richest kicker in the league.

You can only hope they take a similar approach with Pickens once talks get serious, but Rapoport’s intel suggests this could spiral into another messy negotiation.