The Franchise Tag Fiasco: Cowboys' Pickens Gets the Raw Deal The NFL's collective bargaining agreement has long been a contentious issue, with players and owners locked in a perpetual struggle over compensation, free agency, and other sticking points.
One of the most contentious aspects is the franchise tag, designed to allow teams to retain key players without breaking the bank.
However, as evidenced by George Pickens' situation with the Dallas Cowboys, the franchise tag has become a de facto tool for teams to strong arm players into playing on one year deals rather than committing to long term contracts.