Why Kyle Pitts Sr. and George Pickens Will Likely Play on the Franchise Tag
The Combine is over, and it's time to look ahead to the upcoming franchise tag decisions. Here's a breakdown of why Kyle Pitts Sr. and George Pickens are likely to play on the franchise tag in 2026, despite the potential for new long-term deals.
Kyle Pitts Sr. and George Pickens: On-Field Evidence and Team Strategy
The Falcons tagged Kyle Pitts Sr. and the Cowboys tagged George Pickens. Both players have shown promise, but the teams want to see more evidence before committing to long-term deals.
- Kyle Pitts Sr.: After a promising rookie year, a knee injury set his career back. In 2025, he bounced back with 88 catches, 928 yards, and five scores. The tag gives the Falcons another year to assess his potential under a new coaching staff.
- George Pickens: He had an unbelievable first season with Dallas, but the team must consider his history with the Steelers. The tag allows Dallas to test his continued growth and work ethic without exchanging vows.
Breece Hall: The Running Back Market Definition
The Jets franchised Breece Hall, a good player who will help the next quarterback. The tag helps define the running back market, with Kenneth Walker III as the top back and Travis Etienne Jr. as the clear-cut No. 2.
Daniel Jones: Transition Tag vs. Franchise Tag
The Colts are considering the transition tag for Daniel Jones, which would allow him to test the market without compensation. However, the franchise tag offers a higher average per year ($48.3 million) compared to the transition tag ($41.6 million). This difference highlights the challenge of signing other players like Alec Pierce.
Alec Pierce: Market Value and Free Agency
The Colts cannot transition tag one player and franchise tag another. Alec Pierce is expected to be a hot commodity, potentially pulling down a deal exceeding $25 million per year. The receiver tag is $27.298 million, while the transition tag is $23.852 million.
Texans' Trades: Filling Gaps and Restocking the Offensive Line
The Texans traded Tytus Howard, Juice Scruggs, and draft picks for David Montgomery and a fifth-rounder. This move addresses the running back position and fills a void with Montgomery and Woody Marks.
The Texans' offensive line is a concern, with seven linemen gone in 14 months. The team will need to restock through free agency and the draft.
Lions and Browns: Offensive Line Focus
The Lions acquired Scruggs, likely as a first step in reworking their offensive line. The Browns also have an offensive line focus, with Howard as a potential addition to their starting lineup.
The key takeaways are:
* Franchise tags provide teams with a year to assess players' potential before committing to long-term deals.
* The market for running backs is defined, with clear-cut top and second-tier players.
* The transition tag offers a lower average per year, making it challenging to sign other players alongside a franchise-tagged quarterback.
* Trades can address specific team needs, but they also highlight areas requiring further improvement.
