Overview
- ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler identified Baltimore as a potential pursuer if Pickens becomes available, citing roughly $40 million in projected 2026 cap space.
- The franchise tag for wide receivers is estimated around $28–29 million, and multiple reports indicate Dallas is likely to keep Pickens off the open market.
- Any pursuit by Baltimore or other AFC contenders could shift to trade talks if Pickens resists playing on the tag, with draft capital and a premium contract likely required.
- Pickens has delivered a contract-year surge for Dallas with 78 receptions, 1,179 yards and eight touchdowns, placing him among the league leaders.
- Following Week 14 criticism of his effort, Cowboys coaches, Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb publicly defended Pickens and said he responded with a strong week of practice.