The Dallas Cowboys are expected to place the franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be catching passes in Dallas come September. According to reports, a tag-and-trade scenario is very much on the table - and it’s something to keep an eye on as the offseason unfolds.
Let’s break down what that means. The franchise tag gives the Cowboys control - it keeps Pickens from hitting the open market while buying time to negotiate a long-term deal.
But if those talks stall, Dallas could pivot and look to flip him for draft capital or other assets. It’s a strategy we’ve seen before, and with Pickens entering his prime, he’d draw serious interest on the trade market.
And there’s no shortage of suitors.
The Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs both make a lot of sense. Despite having elite quarterbacks in Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes, neither team had a true No. 1 outside threat in 2025.
That lack of a perimeter playmaker showed up in key moments last season. Pickens, with his size, speed, and contested-catch ability, would instantly change the dynamic of either offense.
He’s the kind of player who forces defenses to adjust - and opens up the field for everyone else.
Then there are the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots. On paper, both teams already have a top option - Courtland Sutton in Denver and Stefon Diggs in New England.
But beyond those names, the supporting cast is thin. Adding Pickens wouldn’t just give them another weapon; it would elevate the entire passing game.
For a Patriots team looking to maximize the final years of Diggs’ career, or a Broncos squad trying to give their next quarterback a fighting chance, Pickens could be a game-changer.
Still, the most likely outcome remains this: Pickens stays in Dallas for 2026, plays on the tag, and bets on himself heading into free agency in 2027. He’s shown flashes of being a true WR1, and another strong season in a high-profile offense could set him up for a massive payday.
But make no mistake - if the Cowboys do decide to pick up the phone, teams like Buffalo, Kansas City, Denver, and New England should be ready to talk. A player like George Pickens doesn’t hit the trade market often, and if he does, the bidding war could get intense.