George Pickens Urged to Explore Trade After Cowboys Contract Move
The George Pickens trade to the Dallas Cowboys initially looked like a perfect fit, as the star wide receiver delivered a career-best season in his first year with the team and appeared set for a major payday this offseason. However, as is often the case with owner Jerry Jones and the Cowboys, the situation has become complicated.
Pickens was in the final year of his rookie deal when he arrived in Dallas, and after posting career-high numbers, expectations were high for a long-term extension. Instead, the Cowboys were unable to reach an agreement and placed the franchise tag on him.
While both Jones and Pickens have expressed interest in a long-term partnership, the team recently announced that they expect the receiver to play on the tag in 2026, adding that "there will be no negotiations on a long-term deal."
However, Pickens has yet to sign the tender. With the wide receiver market now reaching $42 million per year, compared to the $27.3 million he would earn on the tag, ESPN's Jason McCourty believes the 25-year-old should explore his options.
"If I'm George Pickens, I'm having my agent explore every opportunity to get a trade going because as Pickens, I want to be somewhere this offseason where I can get paid," he said. "Is there a team that's willing to give something up for him, and they give him a deal he earned with his play on the field a year ago?"
"A lot of people will say If I were George, I would go sign the tag, replicate the year you had last year. That's not easy to replicate...you don't know what a year of football is going to bring. George Pickens has to stay healthy, Dak Prescott has to stay healthy, and also the second year in the system, that every defensive coordinator studied all offseason."
Last season, Pickens recorded 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl selection and second-team All-Pro honors. He was widely expected to command over $30 million annually on a long-term deal, but with negotiations stalled, the franchise tag remains his only immediate option.
At first glance, the gap between the tag and a long-term deal may seem manageable. However, by playing on the tag, Pickens would risk a potential $120+ million contract for a one-year payout of $27.3 million, with no guarantee he can replicate his production or maintain a similar market value in 2027.
That reality leaves him with a tough decision to push for a trade now or play on the tag and bet on himself once again. What do you think Pickens should do?
Related: Cowboys Make WR Move After George Pickens Decision
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This story was originally published April 29, 2026 at 9:05 AM.