Locked On NFL Six Pack - Daily Podcast For NFL Talk · Locked On Podcast Network, Matt Williamson, Brian Peacock

Top Franchise Tag Candidates: George Pickens, Trey Hendrickson, Kyle Pitts, Kenneth Walker

·33 min·3 clips

Why the Cowboys might franchise tag George Pickens despite his volatile reputation and maturation in Dallas.

Hosts Matt Williamson and Brian Peacock analyze the six most likely NFL players to receive the franchise tag this offseason. Their discussion centers on George Pickens, Trey Hendrickson, Kyle Pitts, Kenneth Walker, and other notable candidates. The hosts reference ESPN beat writers and specific team dynamics to support their predictions. George Pickens is their top candidate, with co-host Marcus Mosher of Locked On Cowboys being 99% certain Dallas will tag or extend him. They note Pickens's volatile reputation but improved maturity and route-running development in Dallas. Trey Hendrickson's situation is called "dirty," referencing his previous holdout and trade demand before returning to Cincinnati on an altered contract. They speculate the Bengals could tag and trade him for a draft pick rather than let him walk. Kyle Pitts is discussed as a potential tag recipient due to his emergence as a primary receiving weapon for Atlanta, though his perceived mismatch potential hasn't fully materialized. The hosts debate the tight end market's value compared to wide receivers. Alec Pierce is highlighted as a surprising candidate, with the hosts noting his improvement but questioning if he warrants a top receiver franchise tag number. Daniel Jones is mentioned as a Colts quarterback who could be tagged to assess his health post-injury, delaying a long-term commitment. Kenneth Walker is considered following his Super Bowl MVP, with the running back franchise tag noted as the lowest among non-specialist positions. The hosts also briefly mention Devin Lloyd, Travis Etienne, and Eddie Pinero as other possible tag recipients. A surprising claim is that wide receiver, not defensive end, currently has the second-highest franchise tag value after quarterback. The hosts express confusion over the escalating wide receiver market, arguing mid-tier players are being overvalued. They find it shocking that Trey Hendrickson's contract adjustment reportedly lacked protection against being franchise tagged. The conversation reveals internal debate, as Williamson and Peacock often disagree on team strategies and player valuations. A memorable moment involves the hosts' personal investment in Travis Hunter's position change due to their fantasy dynasty rosters. They critically examine how roster politics and coaching evals may hinder a top draft pick's development. The tone is conversational and analytical, blending insider knowledge with speculative debate. The style is informal, featuring personal anecdotes and bets, like one host winning money on an Alec Pierce yards prop. It feels like a discussion between two well-informed colleagues breaking down complex roster decisions. NFL fans interested in team-building strategy and cap management would enjoy this episode's deep dive into front-office thinking. Listeners who prefer game analysis or breaking news might find the speculative contract talk less engaging. Fantasy football players, especially in dynasty leagues, would value the insights on player values and team intentions.

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