The New England Patriots appear poised to make a significant move in the wide receiver market this offseason. Rumors are swirling that they might pursue a trade for A.J. Brown, the wide receiver from the Philadelphia Eagles. However, another player from the NFC East might also be on the market.
Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens is on track to become a free agent, and if Dallas doesn’t franchise tag him, he could be looking to sign with another team. Nate Davis from USA Today suggested that the Patriots could be an ideal destination for Pickens.
"Will he play for the Dallas Cowboys in 2026? Will he sit out for the Dallas Cowboys in 2026? Will he be franchised – but maybe traded anyway? You never know what Jerry Jones, owner of “America’s Team” will do, but he’s got a big decision ahead on Pickens, just as he did last year with former Dallas DE Micah Parsons," Davis wrote on Saturday
"Pickens is coming off a career year (93 catches for 1,429 yards and nine TDs, all personal bests) and turns 25 next month − compelling reasons for Dallas to tag him regardless of Jones’ ultimate objective (Pickens and CeeDee Lamb would form an awesome but expensive wideout duo). Obviously a good fit in the Cowboys offense last season, Pickens isn't for everyone − and might still have to prove he's a clear-cut No. 1 wideout. But his 2025 effort strongly suggested his production and potential are quickly coming into alignment."
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Pickens in the 2022 NFL Draft, but they traded him to Dallas during the offseason. He has appeared in 65 career games, recording 4,270 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns, and was named to one Pro Bowl this past season.
While Pickens is a talented player, he can sometimes be a headache that could cause division in any locker room he is in.
New England has to tread carefully if it considers adding Pickens, as he could disrupt what the Patriots have built over the past year.
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