The Dallas Cowboys franchise tagged wide receiver George Pickens earlier this offseason, and there hasn't been much news since on a potential extension for the 2025 breakout star.
Pickens had a career season this past year with 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns on 93 receptions, earning Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors.
However, the Cowboys could be hesitant to extend the 25-year-old due to his behavioral issues, which could lead to his eventual exit from Dallas.
SportsBoom's Jason La Canfora believes Dallas could trade Pickens instead of handing him a massive extension, similar to what they did with edge rusher Micah Parsons when they shipped him off to the Green Bay Packers last August.
"I don’t believe Jerry [Jones] subscribes to the calculus of having two receivers on a mega deal and his quarterback at the top of the market," an NFL negotiator said to La Canfora.
"Jones has never been above picking favorites, and being willing to vastly lay-out more than the market for players who indulge him and play to his ego, while those who resist some of his overtures, like All Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons, end up going elsewhere to get paid. I’d suggest Pickens ultimately ends up in that category," La Canfora said.
Chiefs, Raiders, and Chargers could have interest in Pickens
Pickens could get traded before the start of the 2026 campaign, but even if he doesn't, it's clear his long-term future with the Cowboys is murky.
The Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, and Los Angeles Chargers jump out as possible trade partners for Dallas in a Picken deal.
Kansas City needs to add more talent for quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and Pickens would be the dynamic No. 1 receiver Mahomes has lacked since the departure of Tyreek Hill in 2022.
The same goes for Las Vegas, who are slated to field a young receiver room and doesn't have a bona fide top option in the position group to pair with superstar tight end Brock Bowers.
Though Ladd McConkey is a productive slot receiver, Los Angeles needs a difference-maker on the perimeter, and Pickens could be that guy for quarterback Justin Herbert.
Pickens has a ton of talent and is one of the most electric players in football. However, the Cowboys may not have the money to sign him to a lucrative deal, which could result in a trade in the near future.
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