The Dallas Cowboys are prepared to place the franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens between February 17 and March 3, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Saturday. This move would guarantee Pickens a $28 million salary for the 2026 season, fueling speculation about his future amid ongoing George Pickens trade talks.
Despite the expectation that Pickens would remain with the Cowboys next season, the team’s openness to trade discussions means fans cannot yet be certain he will stay in Dallas.
Interest in George Pickens Generates Trade Rumors
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Cowboys have demonstrated a willingness to trade established stars for valuable draft picks, making Pickens’ situation particularly intriguing given the anticipated high demand for the receiver. As a result, several teams are expected to pursue him aggressively.
George Pickens’ Impactful First Season with the Cowboys
Picked up in a trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers last offseason, Pickens made an immediate impact in his first campaign with Dallas. He recorded an impressive 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns, ranking third in the NFL for receiving yards during the 2025-26 season. His performance solidified him as a crucial piece of the Cowboys’ offense.
Ownership Expresses Desire to Keep Pickens Long-Term
Since the conclusion of the Cowboys’ season, the organization’s leadership has been vocal about their interest in retaining Pickens. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones shared,
“I’m talking to Geroge all the time by virtue of my excitement for him,”
via Tommy Yarrish of DallasCowboys.com. Jones added,
“He’s better than, as far as what he contributed to our team, showing the potential that he could contribute. I’m looking forward to getting things worked out so George can be a Cowboy a long time.”
Player Reactions to Potential Trade and Team Direction
The Cowboys’ willingness to entertain trade offers has led to mixed feelings among players. Quarterback Dak Prescott commented on the situation, stating,
“It doesn’t matter, whichever way that they got to do it, he’s an important piece of this offense, an important piece of what we’re trying to do. I’ll leave it to those guys,”
as reported by Jon Machota of The Athletic. Prescott also expressed confidence in the team’s leadership, saying,
“Obviously if I need to get involved, I’ve said it before, I will. But (I’m) confident in (Cowboys owner Jerry Jones) and everybody who makes those decisions and how much he means to us.”
Team Outlook After a Challenging Season and Coaching Leadership
The Cowboys finished the 2025-26 season with a 7-9-1 record during Brian Schottenheimer’s inaugural year as head coach. Executive Vice President Stephen Jones emphasized the team’s commitment to equipping Schottenheimer with the necessary roster improvements for success in his second season leading the team.
Pickens’ contract situation and trade discussions will remain a key storyline for the Cowboys as they prepare to strengthen their lineup and compete in the upcoming season, with the organization’s decision on his future poised to have a significant impact on their offensive strategy.
The #Cowboys have shown a willingness to trade their stars for significant draft pick compensation. George Pickens' situation will be fascinating to watch, as he'll have no shortage of suitors. https://t.co/9gOrknGxuE
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 8, 2026
Dak Prescott explains why the Dallas Cowboys must sign ‘game-changer’ George Pickens
“It doesn’t matter, whichever way that they got to do it, he’s an important piece of this offense, an important piece of what we’re trying to do.” https://t.co/6p6mqU3D8x
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) February 2, 2026
