As the Cowboys placed a $28 million franchise tag on George Pickens, a new drama unfolded.

Dak Prescott, speaking to reporters, had some advice for Pickens as someone who had been franchise-tagged by the Cowboys before.

Prescott said on the matter, “George loves football. That’s the one thing about it. I just want him to know, don’t change your love for football. Don’t get into the business mind of this.”

Prescott’s comments were not received well by NFL veteran and wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

Houshmandzadeh minced no words when he voiced his opinion on Prescott’s remarks.

“I just really wish Dak would have minded his business with this one. I really do. I really wish he had just minded his business.”

Dak Prescott wants his wide receiver to have a long-term future with the Cowboys. However, Houshmandzadeh questioned if Prescott had crossed a line with his comments.

“He said way too much. Normally, does he really get this in-depth with his answers? So now, why do you want to really go in-depth when it pertains to me? Mind your business,” Houshmandzadeh said.

The Cowboys placed a franchise tag on Prescott not once, but twice. In 2020, he suffered a season-ending ankle injury. But the very next year, Dallas placed another tag on him, and they agreed on a 4-year, $160 million extension.

From his "advice" to Pickens, it's clear that Prescott wants the franchise and the talented wide receiver to sort something out.

Does George Pickens deserve a long-term contract?

George Pickens had a stellar first season with the Dallas Cowboys. He recorded 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, playing 17 games.

Houshmandzadeh thought that he deserved a long-term contract after a career-best season.

“The Cowboys, if they gave George Pickens $36 million tomorrow, they have a deal tomorrow. Because George Pickens is a h_ of a player, he finally showed what he can do when he got a real team with a real quarterback. … That’s leaving too much money on the table," he said.

Spotrac has estimated Pickens’ value to be $122 million over four years if he were to be a free agent. Pickens and the Cowboys have a July 15 deadline to agree on their contract.

You can read more at the Dallas Cowboys Community!

Written by

Shyam Hari

Edited by

Kalp Thaker