The Dallas Cowboys are expected to place the franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. But here’s where it gets interesting: instead of locking him down long-term or keeping him for another season, there’s buzz that the Cowboys could look to flip Pickens for a second-round pick.
That opens the door to a big "what if" - and the Denver Broncos are one of the teams that could make a lot of sense in this scenario.
Let’s break it down.
Why the Broncos Make Sense
Denver is officially in win-now mode. After a postseason run that saw rookie quarterback Bo Nix throwing critical passes to depth receivers like Michael Bandy and Lil’Jordan Humphrey, it’s clear the Broncos need to upgrade the weapons around their young QB. Nix showed poise and promise, but even the most talented quarterbacks need playmakers - especially in January.
Enter George Pickens.
At 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, Pickens fits the mold of what Sean Payton likes in his wideouts: size, physicality, and the ability to win on the outside. He’s a vertical threat with strong hands and an alpha mentality when the ball is in the air.
That’s exactly the kind of receiver Nix thrived with this season - think Courtland Sutton on those deep sideline shots. Pickens brings that same skill set, but with a bit more juice after the catch and a higher ceiling in terms of explosive play potential.
If the cost is just a second-round pick? That’s a serious conversation. Late Day 2 picks don’t often return a player with Pickens’ upside - especially one who’s already proven he can produce against NFL defenses.
The Contract Factor
Of course, it’s not just about the trade compensation. The Cowboys tagging Pickens would carry a nearly $30 million cap hit, and any team acquiring him would likely look to work out a long-term deal. That means Denver would be committing not only draft capital, but also top-tier money - likely in the $25-30 million per year range - to bring him aboard.
Financially, that’s a big swing. But if the Broncos believe Nix is their guy, and they want to maximize his rookie contract window, this is exactly the kind of aggressive move that can push a team over the top.
The Off-Field Question
Now, here’s where things get a little murky. Pickens has had some reported friction with coaches and teammates in the past - the kind of stuff that gets labeled as “diva behavior” when it comes to wide receivers.
And while talent often outweighs personality quirks in the NFL, Denver’s locker room chemistry was a huge part of their success this past season. The team rallied around each other, and that unity helped them weather a few rough patches.
So the question becomes: is the juice worth the squeeze?
Pickens has the kind of game-breaking talent that doesn’t come around often. He’s young, he’s dynamic, and he fills a major need. But Denver would need to be confident that he’s ready to buy into the culture Sean Payton is building - one that values toughness, accountability, and team-first play.
Final Thought
This isn’t a no-brainer, but it’s a compelling case. If the Broncos can land George Pickens for a second-round pick and work out a deal that fits their cap structure, they’d be adding a legitimate difference-maker to an offense that’s on the rise. The risk is there - both financially and in terms of locker room fit - but so is the reward.
So Broncos Country, here’s the question: if all it takes is a second-round pick and a big contract, are you pulling the trigger on George Pickens?
Because moves like this don’t just fill a need. They send a message: we’re here to contend - and we’re not waiting around.