With the 2026 NFL league year set to begin in a few weeks, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens has been mentioned in a blockbuster trade.
The Cowboys acquired Pickens and a 2027 sixth-round pick from the Pittsburgh Steelers last week in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick. It's safe to say that trade immediately worked out in their favor.
Pickens had an All-Pro season for the Cowboys, hauling in 93 passes for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns. He really stepped up during CeeDee Lamb's absence, proving he's capable of being a No. 1 wide receiver on a high-powered offense.
Although the Cowboys received tremendous production from Pickens this past season, ESPN's Dan Graziano included him in a trade proposal this week.
Nov 17, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Graziano came up with a trade where the Cowboys send Pickens and a first-round pick to the Las Vegas Raiders for defensive end Maxx Crosby and a second-round pick.
While fans in Dallas would love for Jerry Jones to acquire Crosby, they don't want him to do so at Pickens' expense.
"Stop the Pickens trade proposals," a Cowboys fan said. "You trade him and you are taking 10 steps back, the offense is ready now. Use the two 1st round picks for the defense."
"Why y'all keep wanting to set our offense back lol do y'all remember what it was before he got there," a second fan wrote on X.
"I'm sorry but if I am trading Pickens and picks for an edge I am doing so for Myles Garrett who is superior," another fan argued. "Not that Cleveland would trade him, but if we're overpaying for a player thats who I'm overpaying for."
"Giving up two firsts and Pickens is no where near worth it. Retaining Pickens is top priority," another Cowboys fan declared.
Will Dallas retain Pickens this offseason?
According to ESPN reporter Todd Archer, it's "a certainty" that Dallas will use the franchise tag on Pickens. He'd make around $27-28 million next season if he plays on the tag.
"Since there have been zero discussions to this point on a long-term deal, connecting the dots to the franchise tag is easy to do," Archer said.
The Cowboys could still discuss a long-term deal with Pickens after applying the franchise tag. That is, of course, if he's interested in staying in Dallas past the 2026 season.
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