As no surprise, the Dallas Cowboys are planning to use the franchise tag on star free agent wide receiver George Pickens next month. According to the source, Adam Schefter expects Dallas to use the $28 million tag on the receiver, but that could lead to possible drama in the offseason. Unfortunately, it seems like Cowboys owner Jerry Jones loves drama, and after trading Micah Parsons in August, the team might be forced to trade Pickens if he refuses to play without a long-term deal. While it’s not concerning as of this posting, it could become an issue if the Cowboys don’t agree to a long-term deal with the former Steelers wideout before free agency.
“Tag-and-Trade” Possibility May Emerge After Latest Cowboys George Pickens News
The last thing that the Cowboys want is George Pickens requesting a trade. Originally selected in the second-round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the former Georgia product has emerged as a legitimate No. 1 receiver. Pickens outplayed CeeDee Lamb during the 2025 regular season, hauling in 93 receptions for 1,429 receiving yards.
The All-Pro wants to stay in Dallas, but admits that the price “went up,” and things could become complicated if the Cowboys can’t figure out a contract before the start of next season. While Jones wants Pickens to be a Cowboy for a long time, talk is cheap. Dallas has to act sooner rather than later, and if they don’t, it shouldn’t be surprising if the star receiver grows frustrated. The good news is that the Cowboys have until July 15 to come to terms on a long-term extension, but they shouldn’t wait, or Pickens could leave for these three teams.
Possible Destinations
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers won’t be the richest team in terms of cap space, but they’re at risk of losing Jauan Jennings this offseason. With Brandon Aiyuk likely to be cut, the 49ers need a reliable dynamic weapon for Brock Purdy’s offensive pass-game. Running back Christian McCaffrey is coming off one of his best seasons on the ground, especially after winning the Comeback Player of the Year, so they need to act on improving the receiver unit.
Ricky Pearsall is presumptively a long-term weapon for Purdy, but they would be on another level if they could get Pickens. Even though the 49ers are eyeing to reunite with Deebo Samuel, the team is better off snagging Pickens off the Cowboys’ hands, as he could be their No. 1 receiver starting Week 1.
Buffalo Bills
Meanwhile, the Bills haven’t had a superstar receiver since parting ways with Stefon Diggs a couple of years ago. It’s been between Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman and now Joshua Palmer proving themselves that they can be Josh Allen’s long-term No. 1 weapon. None of them haven’t been able to prove that. While they can blame former head coach Sean McDermott, Allen won’t live up to his Super Bowl potential if they can’t get a star, so they should look into Pickens to fill that void.
New England Patriots
The Patriots have found their long-term quarterback in Drake Maye after seeing shattered records and glory under the Tom Brady/Bill Belichick era. The team can move on with Maye and Mike Vrabel to build their own dynasty, even with a Super Bowl win. However, speaking of Diggs, he’s on the older side, and the Patriots have to stabilize their receiving unit. The sky is the limit for Kayshon Boutte as a versatile slant-route weapon, but they need someone long-term for speed and as a deep threat.
Pickens can play that role, and given Vrabel’s mindset, he can get him up to speed. Vrabel is no stranger to getting the best out of his receivers, so if he can’t reunite with AJ Brown this offseason, the team could trade for Pickens.