Cowboys Make WR Move After George Pickens Decision

George Pickens and the Dallas Cowboys did not have the 2025 NFL season they were hoping for, finishing with a 7-9-1 record and missing out on the playoffs entirely. Still, Pickens, in his first year with the Cowboys, became Dak Prescott's favorite target, tallying team highs of 93 catches for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns.

Following the season, Pickens' rookie contract came to an end, making him a free agent. Dallas then placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on the former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, though he has yet to sign it. Still, during the 2026 NFL Draft, Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones confirmed he has no plans to trade Pickens, saying, "We have no intention of moving George." While Dallas continues to await Pickens' signature, it has brought in another wide receiver.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling, after a college career with NC State and South Florida, was selected by the Green Bay Packers with the No. 174 pick in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. The wide receiver spent his first four seasons alongside Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay, becoming one of the top receiving options for the team.

But in 2022, Valdes-Scantling joined the Kansas City Chiefs, helping the team win two Super Bowls with Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce leading the offense. Following the 2023 NFL season, however, he has struggled to find a full-time roster spot, spending brief stints with the Bills, Saints and 49ers, and most recently the Steelers, where he reunited with Rodgers.

And on Monday, as they await Pickens' signing, the Cowboys signed Valdes-Scantling to a one-year deal, giving Prescott additional depth at the wide receiver position.

"Veteran WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling is signing a one-year deal with the Cowboys, per source," NFL Network's Tom Pelissero wrote on X.

Veteran WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling is signing a one-year deal with the Cowboys, per source. pic.twitter.com/JULWXtWKmG

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 27, 2026

In eight seasons, Valdes-Scantling has appeared in 116 total games, recording 219 catches for 3,686 yards and 21 touchdowns.

Related: Chiefs HC Andy Reid Announces Patrick Mahomes News on Monday

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This story was originally published April 27, 2026 at 4:14 PM.