Cris Carter Warns Cowboys George Pickens’ Franchise Tag Could Divide Locker Room

Cris Carter Warns Cowboys About George Pickens’ Franchise Tag© Instagram

Cris Carter believes Dallas has created a problem by asking George Pickens to play another season without a long-term contract. The Hall of Fame receiver warned that keeping Pickens on the franchise tag could affect the Cowboys' locker room, particularly as other receivers secure multiyear deals.

Speaking on the “Fully Loaded” podcast, Carter questioned the message Dallas is sending a player who delivered a career year in his first season with the team. Pickens is earning $27.3 million on the tag, with his future beyond this season still unresolved.

Carter Questions Dallas' Approach To Pickens

“It will eat away at your locker room,” Carter said, according to Pro Football Network.

His argument centers on security as much as salary. Carter believes Pickens could become frustrated if his production falls below the standard he set last year while his next contract remains unsettled.That was Carter's assessment, rather than a declaration from Pickens that he intends to disrupt the team.

Dallas made its position clear months ago. In April, executive vice president Stephen Jones said the Cowboys would have Pickens play on the tag instead of negotiating an extension. The July deadline passed without a multiyear agreement.Jones has pointed to the difficulty of paying two receivers at the top of the market. CeeDee Lamb already has a major contract, and Dallas carries its investment in quarterback Dak Prescott.

For Pickens, the arrangement means another season of trying to establish what he should command next.

Pickens Has Taken A Different Public Tone

Pickens' comments over the summer were more measured than Carter's warning. After reporting for mandatory minicamp, he said football came first and that he would leave the contract business to his agent.He had signed the tender before the July deadline, putting him under contract for 2026. There was no agreement on the longer commitment he could seek after the season.

The Cowboys' coverage earlier this year praised how quickly he had settled into the offense after arriving from Pittsburgh. His partnership with Prescott and Lamb gave Dallas a productive receiving tandem, while Ryan Flournoy emerged with a larger contribution.Carter is questioning whether the front office can keep that arrangement comfortable without rewarding Pickens beyond one year. His concern is about what happens as the season becomes more difficult, especially when individual production and team results disappoint.

Dallas enters its next game at 2–4. Pickens has 33 receptions for 428 yards and one touchdown through six games, leaving plenty of football before another offseason decision.