Dallas Cowboys' George Pickens, wideout and potential free agent target for the Green Bay Packers
Getty
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 21: George Pickens #3 of the Dallas Cowboys participates in warmups prior to a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium on December 21, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The Buffalo Bills made a significant move this offseason by trading for wide receiver DJ Moore from the Chicago Bears. Recognizing the need to strengthen their receiving corps, the Bills knew they couldn’t simply rely on a rookie to step up. While parting with a second-round pick in 2026 may seem like a hefty price, this trade was essential for securing a dynamic playmaker who can elevate Josh Allen’s game.
Bills Should’ve Landed George Pickens
However, there could have been better receivers on the trade and free-agent market for the Bills to enhance their roster. Bleacher Report’s Alex Kayexpressed disappointment that Buffalo didn’t finalize a deal with the Cowboys for George Pickens.
Kay believed the Bills should have signed Pickens to a four-year, $129 million deal during the offseason rather than letting him return to the Cowboys under the franchise tag.
“Despite the lack of elite pass-catchers on the roster, Buffalo still managed to win 25 games over the past two seasons—tying the Philadelphia Eagles for most in the league during that span—due in no small part to some immense contributions from Josh Allen,” Kay wrote on Tuesday.
“Allen was named NFL MVP for his herculean efforts in 2024 and remained in the discussion for the award last season while earning a fifth career Pro Bowl nod. Despite his efforts, Buffalo has continually come up shy of a Super Bowl and was recently eliminated before the Super Bowl for the seventh consecutive year.”
Pickens Never Reached The Open Market
The only drawback for the Bills in not acquiring Pickens is that he didn’t reach the free agent market this offseason. Although he was a free agent, the Cowboys placed the franchise tag on him before the legal tampering period began in early March.
If Buffalo wanted to acquire Pickens, it would have needed to pursue a trade for him. This possibility may still be on the table, as Pickens hasn’t reached a long-term deal with Dallas. Yet, with the Bills bringing in Moore, it seems unlikely that a trade will happen.
Buffalo Made a Few Changes This Offseason
Even though the Bills didn’t land Pickens and instead picked up Moore, they still made several changes that could help them get into serious contention for a Super Bowl appearance.
“The Bills made some sweeping changes this offseason to try and give the squad a much-needed postseason jolt, including firing longtime head coach Sean McDermott and promoting offensive coordinator Joe Brady,” Kay added. “The team also loaded up on defensive weapons in free agency, signing veterans such as Bradley Chubb, Dee Gardner and C.J. Gardner-Johnson to improve on that side of the ball.
“Buffalo’s biggest transaction was a trade for D.J. Moore—a talented but inconsistent receiver who regressed in each of the last two years following a stellar first season with the Chicago Bears—but it remains to be seen if the pass-catcher coming off a 682-receiving yard campaign can move the needle like Pickens could have.”
It will be interesting to see what Moore can bring to the table this season, and perhaps he can step into the role that Stefon Diggs held for four seasons with the Bills.