All articles tagged with #franchise tag
The Steelers are still negotiating with Joey Porter Jr. over an extension; a report suggested he could become the NFL's highest-paid CB, but Steelers beat writer Ray Fittipaldo doubts that and predicts a deal around $28 million per year, noting the cornerback market has risen but Porter probably won’t reset it, with franchise-tag leverage as a possible fallback next year.
If Baker Mayfield doesn’t sign a new deal with the Buccaneers after the 2026 season, Tampa Bay would hold exclusive negotiating rights into March 2027. Then Mayfield could test the market, with the franchise tag for 2027 costing about $47.7 million (and potentially requiring cap space for a tag-and-trade) or he could walk and let the market set his value. Mayfield’s camp has cited top quarterbacks earning $50M+ APY, signaling a possible big deal if he shines in 2026. If he leaves, the Bucs would need a new starter in 2027 from current backups like Jake Browning, Jalon Daniels, or Connor Bazelak. Bottom line: Mayfield’s Tampa future depends on the 2026 season and whether a large contract or a new quarterback ends up being the outcome.
Following an 8–9 season, Baker Mayfield publicly pushed for a new deal, but late-season struggles and limited efficiency complicate a lasting extension; Tampa Bay may instead use the franchise tag or wait for a stronger showing, given a growing 2027 QB class and the GM’s need for flexibility.
George Pickens thanked Jerry Jones for his praise and said he’s excited about staying with the Cowboys, while this season unfolds under a fully guaranteed $27.3 million franchise tag after a breakout 2025 campaign.
Baker Mayfield says the Buccaneers have not offered a long-term extension ahead of the final season of his contract, calling the stalled talks disappointing and feeling undervalued, but he plans to stay focused on football, address the situation with the team, and pursue a deal aligned with his production, with ESPN noting he could play out the season before free agency and a potential 2027 franchise tag looming.
Baker Mayfield will play the 2026 season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on an expiring contract after talks for a new deal ended; he’s set to report to training camp with a 2026 cap hit of about $39.98 million, and Tampa Bay could consider a franchise tag in 2027 if needed.
The Dallas Cowboys did not strike a long-term deal with Pro Bowl wide receiver George Pickens before the deadline, so he will play the 2026 season on a non-exclusive, one-year $27.3 million franchise tag—making him the NFL’s only player on a franchise tag. The Cowboys cannot extend his contract until after the regular season, with free agency again in March. Pickens starred in 2025 with 93 receptions, 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns.
With training camp approaching, the Buccaneers are reportedly in no rush to extend Baker Mayfield, betting they’ll top any competing offer in a veteran-QB market that could push APYs past $40 million. Mayfield’s willingness to push for more could test Tampa Bay’s leverage, potentially leaving them to rethink at QB if he tests the market or leaves, while behind him the roster options include Jalon Daniels, Jake Browning and Connor Bazelak.
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens reports for mandatory minicamp on the franchise tag and says he has no plans to hold out, aiming to be at training camp in July. He had skipped voluntary workouts per his agent, but coach Brian Schottenheimer confirmed he’ll participate in walkthroughs and individual drills while avoiding team drills for now. Prescott will be limited in practice due to a sore knee, but the team expects him to be ready by camp.
George Pickens showed up for Cowboys minicamp after signing the franchise tag and said there will be no holdout, stressing football and team goals, his bond with Dallas, and his aim to help win a Super Bowl.
George Pickens will skip team drills at the Cowboys’ mandatory minicamp and instead be “Coach Pickens,” focusing on individual work as the team limits exposure to injury. He signed the franchise tag in April and skipped the voluntary offseason program, facing a $107,911 fine for missing mandatory minicamp. Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer says his presence shows commitment to the locker room, while Pickens remains on a one-year, $27.3 million tag as the club considers a longer deal after a Pro Bowl-caliber 2025 season (93 receptions, 1,429 yards, 9 TDs).
George Pickens attended the Cowboys’ mandatory minicamp after signing the one-year franchise tender, which makes him subject to more than $100,000 in fines for missing; accepting the tag signals he’s embracing his situation and intends to pursue another big season, potentially positioning him for a free-agent reset if he continues to produce.
Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens arrived at the team facility to take his physical Monday and is expected to participate in this week's mandatory minicamp, though it’s unclear how much he’ll work. He signed the franchise tag but hasn’t signed a long-term deal, and Dallas has said they won’t negotiate before the July deadline; skipping workouts could result in fines.
Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens plans to attend the team's mandatory minicamp after signing the franchise tag, avoiding a roughly $107,911 fine for missing mandatory activities. He hasn’t participated in voluntary offseason work, and the Cowboys and Pickens have about a month to reach a long-term contract; if no deal is reached, he’ll play on the one-year franchise tender in 2026 and become a free agent in 2027.
Baker Mayfield’s contract talks with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers aren’t progressing, with Mayfield’s representatives not replying to the team’s opening offer. Mayfield, earning about $33.3 million per year and $27 million cash in 2026, appears to have a personal target higher than the offer. Analysts note the NFL QB market tops around $60 million per year, citing Dak Prescott and others, which complicates Bucs’ negotiations. The article also raises the possibility of the Buccaneers using the franchise tag in 2027 if a long-term deal isn’t reached, leaving Mayfield to bet on himself and the team to reflect his value or plan for life without him in 2027.