Emmanuel Acho Admits Cowboys Are “Creating a Monster” With George Pickens Franchise Tag Move

Emmanuel Acho calls the Cowboys placing a franchise tag on WR George Pickens a dumb move, which may push in a similar situation they faced with Micah Parsons.

Emmanuel Acho Admits Cowboys Are “Creating a Monster” With George Pickens Franchise Tag Move

George Pickens and Emmanuel Acho inside the circle (Image via IMAGO/X)

George Pickens is not getting a long-term contract extension from the Dallas Cowboys. Instead, the Cowboys just placed a franchise tag on the wide receiver, frustrating Emmanuel Acho.

In the recent episode of Speakeasy, Acho harshly reacted to the Cowboys’ decision not to pay Pickens after the season he had, racking up 1429 yards on 93 receptions and 9 touchdowns in 17 appearances. Under the latest tag, Pickens cannot negotiate with other teams.

Acho claimed that placing a franchise tag on Pickens is the “dumbest” move the Cowboys could have made, considering there are still three months left before the trade deadline closes. The retired NFL linebacker also noted that Pickens has no obligation to attend either the voluntary or mandatory part of the OTAs, as he has not agreed to the terms of the franchise tag. And he can not be penalized for it either.

The Cowboys have no ended any hope, and all the player wants is hope. If I am George Pickens, [I am] not reporting for camp, not reporting for OTA, not reporting for minicamp… I am not gonna hold out, because you’re not gonna fine me… I am gonna hold in; I am just gonna be here with a sour face on… I need my bread.

Emmanuel Acho said

Last year, the Cowboys parted ways with pass rusher Micah Parsons following a major fallout. Owner Jerry Jones did not want to negotiate with Parsons’ agent David Mulugheta, and by the time he showed any signs of a change of heart, it was already too late. Parsons was traded to the Green Bay Packers not long after. Mulugheta also represents Pickens, so Acho fears that history may repeat itself.

According to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, Pickens will earn around $27.3 million for the 2026 season.

During the pre-draft press conference on Wednesday, Cowboys COO Stephen Jones discussed the reason behind placing the tag on Pickens. The Cowboys have several players on big payrolls. Quarterback Dak Prescott is among the highest-paid players in all of sports, and WR CeeDee Lamb earns $34 mllion APY. Paying two receivers top dollar despite the increased salary cap is not an easy task.

It’s not easy having two receivers paid at the top of the market. That’s a stretch, especially when you have other great players on your team. … That’s part of it.

Jones said via Patrik Walker of the Cowboys’ official website

Jones expects Pickens to stay in Dallas and continue delivering big numbers even though he won’t get a long-term extension right away.

We’re thrilled that George is here, and we expect him to have another big year, like he did last year, and that’s not gonna change.

Jones said

TJ Houshmandezadeh urges the Cowboys to trade George Pickens

Acho’s colleague and former NFL wide receiver TJ Houshmandezadeh presented a perfect solution that could benefit both Pickens and the Cowboys. After Acho finished his monologue, Houshmandezadeh suggested that the Cowboys should trade Pickens to another team.

Emmanuel Acho Admits Cowboys Are “Creating a Monster” With George Pickens Franchise Tag Move
George Pickens (Image via IMAGO)

As compensation, the Cowboys will acquire a second-round pick and draft Pickens’ replacement. Houshmandezadeh wants the Cowboys to draft Arizona State wideout Jordyn Tyson.

Houshmandezadeh piggybacked on Acho’s previous advice to Pickens about holding in during training camp and cautioned the Cowboys that it might “contaminate” the locker room, given his track record of causing mischief in both Dallas and in Pittsburgh.

You don’t want that. So, Jordan Tyson, if he can stay healthy… Buddy got some [expletive] to him. He’s quick, real good size, he’s fast… It’s just his health.

TJ Houshmandezadeh said

Based on Tyson’s pre-draft workouts, he ran a 4.49 40-yard dash. Tyson is 6’1″ and is capable of playing in every position, whether it’s the X, Y, or in the slot. However, as Houshmandezadeh pointed out, Tyson has a poor history of dealing with injuries.

He tore his ACL, MCL, and PCL, and once broke his collarbone during his college days. He’s projected to be a top 15 pick, but due to his choppy history with injuries, he might slide down the order. Dallas owns the 20th pick (in the Parsons trade), so if Tyson does slip, they can get him at 20.

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