The NFL's Wild Franchise Tag Twist: Only ONE Player is Left Standing, And It's George Pickens' $27.3 Million Gamble
Alright, listen up, 12s, because things are getting absolutely wild in the NFL contract world, and we've got one dude standing alone. George Pickens? Yeah, he's the *only* player left in the entire league who's gonna be playing on the franchise tag this season. Seriously. Everyone else who got tagged sorted out their long-term deals. This is a crazy situation, especially with the numbers we're seeing flying around!
George Pickens Is The Last Man Standing
Can you believe this? The Cowboys announced that their Pro Bowl wide receiver, George Pickens, is officially playing the 2026 season under the franchise tag. He actually signed the massive $27.3 million tag and even participated in the mandatory minicamp last week. The Cowboys had until July 15 to get a long-term deal done with him, but they already made it clear he's on the tag. It's a pretty wild solo act in a league where guys usually want that long-term security.
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Everyone Else Got Paid
What makes Pickens' situation so unique is that two other big names who were tagged have already inked their long-term deals. The Falcons reached a huge agreement with tight end Kyle Pitts, signing him to a three-year, $54 million contract. That's some serious cash! And get this, the Jets' running back, Breece Hall, also got his long-term security, agreeing to a three-year, $43.5 million deal just last month. Even Colts quarterback Daniel Jones, who got hit with the transition tag, signed a massive two-year, $88 million contract back in March. So, while everyone else settled, Pickens is out there flying solo on the tag.
So what does this all mean for us? Well, while our Hawks are busy getting ready for what's gonna be an electric season at Lumen Field, with Sam Darnold under center and Jaxon Smith-Njigba tearing it up, it's worth watching how these big money deals and the franchise tag situation unfold league-wide. Every contract signed, or not signed, sets a precedent. You know our guys, like Julio Rodriguez at T-Mobile Park or Matty Beniers on the ice at Climate Pledge Arena, are always looking at the landscape. It's a reminder of the business side of the game, even as we get hyped for every snap. Let's go Hawks!
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.