The 2025 season has been a tough pill to swallow for the Washington Commanders. After riding high all the way to the NFC Championship Game last year, they’ve crashed back down to earth with a 4-11 record and a long offseason ahead. Injuries to second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels didn’t help matters, and now the focus shifts to how this team can retool and rebound in 2026.
One area that clearly needs attention? Offensive firepower. Daniels, still on his rookie deal, needs more weapons around him - and that’s where a name like George Pickens enters the conversation.
The Dallas Cowboys wideout is coming off his first Pro Bowl selection, and if he hits the open market this offseason, Washington could be a team to watch. The Commanders are projected to have one of the league’s healthiest salary cap situations - fifth-most space, to be exact - giving them the flexibility to make a splash if they choose.
Pickens is the kind of player who can change an offense. He’s a vertical threat with the ability to turn routine plays into game-breaking moments, and pairing him with Daniels could unlock a new level of explosiveness for Washington.
It’s not just about the highlight-reel catches, either - it’s about giving Daniels a consistent, dynamic target who can grow with him. That kind of synergy matters, especially for a young quarterback trying to find his footing after a rocky, injury-shortened season.
In seven games this year, Daniels threw for eight touchdowns and three interceptions, completing just over 60 percent of his passes. Not awful, but not the leap forward many were hoping for. A player like Pickens could help change that trajectory - especially with veteran Terry McLaurin still in the fold to provide leadership and stability in the receiver room.
But while the idea of Pickens in burgundy and gold is intriguing, it’s not without complications. Washington has more than just receiver on its offseason to-do list.
The offensive line needs bolstering - Daniels took too many hits when he was healthy, and protecting the franchise quarterback has to be priority number one. The defense also needs reinforcements after a season that exposed some glaring holes.
So even with all that cap space, Washington will need to be strategic. Overcommitting to one star at a skill position could limit their ability to address other areas. And that’s assuming Pickens even becomes available - Dallas could still re-sign him or use the franchise tag to keep him in the building.
Still, the idea of luring a rising star away from a division rival is bound to stir some excitement among Commanders fans. It’s a bold move, sure, but one that could pay off if the team believes Pickens is the right fit for their young quarterback and long-term vision.
Washington has decisions to make - big ones. But if the front office wants to give Daniels the best shot at success, surrounding him with elite talent has to be part of the plan. Whether that includes George Pickens remains to be seen, but the potential is worth keeping an eye on.