“The expectation right now is still that [George Pickens] shows up and plays on the tag,” as reported on ESPN’s Get Up morning show.

Although Pickens has Jones and the Cowboys in limbo despite the reported verbal agreement between the organization and his agent, signs may point in the direction that the wideout will finally sign the $27. 3 million franchise tag tender. That might put an end to the drama ahead of the 2026 NFL season—though it’s not guaranteed.

Cowboys won’t entertain long-term contract talks

Jerry Jones has made the Cowboys‘ intentions clear. Dallas wants Pickens to play through the 2026 NFL season on the tag before it makes any decision on his long-term future. Whether that decision is made because of the wide receiver’s performance or the fact his agent is David Mulugheta, that’s another question.

Pickens may accept those terms—likely with remorse and bitterness. Still, signing his franchise tag tender won’t cancel out the trade buzz around Pickens. If anything, it may only bolster it. Until he signs the tender, Pickens can’t be traded. The fact the Cowboys have added Marquez Valdes-Scantling to the depth chart may signal that a trade involving Pickens is a real possibility.

Ever since the 2026 NFL Draft weekend came to an end, most reports indicate the Cowboys aren’t interested in trading Pickens. However, actions tend to speak louder than words, and Dallas’ recent activity begs the question of whether there’s been a sudden change of heart regarding the former second-round selection (by the Pittsburgh Steelers) in 2022.

Pickens’ numbers

The former Steeler is coming off a career year in the 2025 NFL campaign. During his first season on America’s Team, Pickens recorded career highs in receptions (93), receiving yards (1,429), touchdowns (9), and first downs (73). Still, Jones and company have their doubts about extending a long-term contract offer to him and his camp, led by Mulugheta.

Things might have been much easier had Pickens been taken off the board at least 20 picks earlier in the 2022 NFL Draft. If he had been a first-round selection, “Dem Boyz” could have simply exercised the fifth-year option on Pickens back in 2025.

However, had Pickens been a first-rounder, his fate in Pittsburgh might have been quite different. He may never have been traded to Dallas in the first place. It’s all hypothetical.

Where Jones, Pickens, and the Cowboys stand

What’s factual is that Jones’ Cowboys and Pickens remain in a standoff. Neither is giving the other an inch. Reports suggest Pickens will play on the tag, but until he signs the tender, anything can happen. Well, actually, virtually nothing can happen.

Once he signs the tender, that’s when the options are truly limitless for Jones and company to work their magic. Perhaps the owner of the Cowboys has one more trick up his sleeve, just for old times’ sake.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Pickens’ agent, David Mulugheta, gave Jones and the Cowboys his word (via email) that Pickens would put pen to paper on the franchise tag tender. However, a week has passed, and the wideout has yet to come forward with his signature, as Todd Archer reported.

Pickens could come out at any hour and finally sign the tender, but with every grain of sand that falls through the hourglass, trade rumors around him only grow stronger and louder across the NFL. Moreover, the fact Marquez Valdes-Scantling is joining the Cowboys’ WR depth chart may signal that trading Pickens is plausible.

Cowboys can’t do much about it

Pickens is still making up his mind and seems to be taking his sweet time. Knowing his agent, Mulugheta, Jones should have known not to expect anything different. “If [Pickens] worked without an agent, he’d save a lot of money with me,” Jones said back in March.

As the standoff continues heading into May, Jones should have added that Pickens would have saved him and America’s Team a lot of time by going solo. Now, the two sides are holding their ground. Even if there was a verbal agreement, words are like the wind blowing through the Chihuahuan Desert.

Neither side is going to give an inch, and both are ready to play the long game. Fans may not, though, and all the drama may only be setting up the Cowboys for failure in the 2026 NFL season.

Could the Cowboys trade Pickens?

Even if the Cowboys gave up on Pickens and opted to trade him away, they would need Pickens to sign his franchise tag tender first. Still, Fowler reports Dallas is not even considering going down that route yet.

Of course, anything can happen, but it seems a very high chance of shipping Pickens away flew out the window the moment the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft ended. The Cowboys came away with one of the best talents in the entire class as they drafted Caleb Downs, and they didn’t have to give up their elite wide receiver to do so, so they may not have much reason to do so now.

Relationship between Jones and Pickens’ agent

Jones, the Cowboys, and Mulugheta have been through a lot. The agent also represents Micah Parsons, so it’s easy to see where the root of this conflict is. Some may see that chapter as water under the bridge; clearly, those people don’t know Jones or Mulugheta.

As if the situation around Pickens wasn’t hard enough, Jones and the Cowboys could be set for another heated negotiation with DeMarvion Overshown. Entering a contract year in Dallas, the 25-year-old linebacker hired Mulugheta as his agent. If America’s Team is interested in re-signing the product out of Texas, expect those contract talks to be complicated as well.

Mulugheta has grown to become a thorn in Jones’ side, and it seems he is everywhere the Cowboys are interested in doing business. Knowing Mulugheta is behind Pickens, it should be no surprise to Jones and company that the wideout is taking his time before holding up to his end of the bargain.

Reported by Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the former player of teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers, Green Bay Packers, and Seattle Seahawks is going to another explosive offense. Aaron Rodgers’ Steelers future is still unclear, so Marquez Valdes-Scantling decided to join Dak Prescott at the Cowboys.

As for the team’s wide receiver depth chart, CeeDee Lamb is the first option, with Pickens as No. 2 as of now. Then, Valdes-Scantling could come at three, and Ryan Flournoy going as the main slot guy. Jonathan Mingo, KaVontae Turpin, Anthony Smith, Traeshon Holden, Jordan Hudson, Parris Campbell, Camden Brown, and newly-signed Tyler Johnson round up the WR room.

Is Marquez Valdes-Scantling a great replacement of George Pickens?

Pickens is a star, but MVS is a reliable veteran. Still, he is nowhere near Pickens’ level. It’s been reported that Pickens will sign his franchise tag, but this is a volatile personality that could turn into unpredictable behavior.

As for how good of a replacement he is. It’s not precisely the best. Pickens has excellent hands, great contested catch ratio and yards after catch. MVS is a good deep threat, but that’s about it. However, he does bring Super Bowl pedigree, since he is a two-time NFL champion.

The Cowboys are struggling with a star once again

It seems like a yearly thing where the Cowboys have a contractual battle with one of their stars. They had an issue with Micah Parsons that ended up in a trade to the Packers. Previously, it happened in 2024 when trying to sign CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott’s contract extensions. There always seem to be some sort of trouble.

According to Adam Schefter, Pickens is officially signing his franchise tag, a move that carries important implications beyond just securing his short-term status. “George Pickens is signing his franchise tag. Once Cowboys WR signs his franchise tag, he can be traded anytime.”

That detail is crucial, as it immediately opens the door for potential trade scenarios. While the franchise tag often signals a temporary commitment, it can also serve as a bridge toward a deal elsewhere, especially in situations where long-term negotiations have stalled.

Will Cowboys trade George Pickens?

Yes. With the tag now signed, the Cowboys gain flexibility in how they handle George Pickens’ future. Jerry Jones could keep him for the 2026 season, but the owner also now has the option to explore trade offers without contractual restrictions.

Given the earlier decision not to pursue a long-term extension, the possibility of a trade becomes more realistic during the 2026 NFL Draft. Teams in need of a top-tier wide receiver could view Pickens as an immediate impact addition, particularly with the financial clarity provided by the tag.

Ultimately, this move shifts the conversation from whether Pickens will play to where he might play. As the situation evolves, the Cowboys now hold a valuable asset, one that could either remain central to their offense or become a key piece in a potential trade scenario.

According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, Cowboys owner Jerry and COO Stephen Jones held a professional conversation with Mulugheta in which they discussed Pickens’ future in Dallas. Mulugheta and the franchise in Arlington have been through a lot, and both sides may benefit from wiping the slate clean.

Hours away from Roger Goodell announcing the first overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft—to no one’s surprise, it will most definitely be Fernando Mendoza to the Las Vegas Raiders—Jones and the Cowboys are staying busy. In fact, they have reportedly reached—or made an effort to reach—a truce with Mulugheta.

Still, anything can happen, and if history has taught us anything, it’s that even the nicest-looking gift can turn into a trap. Don’t believe it? Ask the Trojans. As Pickens could hold leverage over Jones and the Cowboys amid the contract standoff, the front office in Dallas is making sure to cover all its bases.

Jones recently took a shot at Mulugheta

Pickens’ future has been up in the air for quite some time. The Cowboys have now ruled out a long-term extension for the star wideout and will have him under the franchise tag for the 2026 NFL season.

In more ways than one, it feels like Dallas is playing hardball with Pickens as a means of getting at his agent, and the wide receiver is the collateral damage. Jones hasn’t been too secretive with his thoughts on Mulugheta. “If he worked without an agent, he’d save a lot of money with me,” Jones said back in March about Pickens, with a clear dig at Mulugheta, whom he hasn’t often seen eye to eye with.

Mulugheta, who works for Athletes First, is also Micah Parsons’ agent. Everybody knows how that story ended—as it’s the reason the Dallas Cowboys own two first-rounders, and why the Green Bay Packers don’t have a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft—and why the front office in Dallas isn’t too fond of Mulugheta.

Could Pickens be traded out of Dallas?

Whether a player can be traded is often a complex question in the NFL—one that can rarely be answered with a simple yes or no. Simply put, virtually every player outside of franchise quarterbacks can be traded with little remorse from teams.

When it comes to Pickens, whom the Cowboys want to keep around but are unwilling to sign to his presumed long-term deal, it leaves the door open for a trade. The fact Dallas and Pickens’ agent don’t get along particularly well only adds to the suspense, and the timing of the 2026 NFL Draft may be the cherry on top.

Thus, if there’s a time and place for Pickens to be moved, before, during, or in the aftermath of the draft might be a reasonable window for the Cowboys to explore those possibilities. If Jones realizes there’s no bridge left to mend with Mulugheta, and Pickens won’t follow his advice to go solo in negotiations, then the Cowboys could conclude that a trade before—or during—the season is better than watching Pickens walk out as an unrestricted free agent.

Legal aspect complicates trade

“Players who have been offered franchise tags must sign the tender in order to formally process a trade,” Spotrac reported. Thus, until Pickens signs the tender, he can’t be traded by Dallas. And if he is—once the tender is signed—the team that acquires him would have to absorb his roughly $27.3 million cap hit for the 2026 NFL season.

Regardless of whether his new team gives him a new deal or not, Pickens will carry that cap hit in 2026. This complicates trade talks around Pickens. Either a team is willing to take on nearly $30 million against the cap, or the Cowboys hold on to him for the season—and the drama resumes next year.

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One of the more extreme, yet entirely possible, scenarios involves Pickens declining to sign the franchise tag. If he chooses that route, he could sit out until Week 10 of the regular season without being paid, still earn an accrued year, and position himself to hit free agency in 2027. While that approach would be financially and competitively challenging, it remains a legitimate option under league rules.

Even if that path seems unlikely, it underscores the level of control Pickens now holds. With no extension on the table, every decision from this point forward carries significant implications for both his career and the Cowboys’ roster stability.

Could George Pickens force a trade from Cowboys?

Another realistic outcome is that George Pickens pushes for a trade to a team willing to meet his long-term contract expectations. A similar situation unfolded with Micah Parsons and the Green Bay Packers, where contract dynamics played a central role in shaping the narrative in negotiations with Jerry Jones.

The financial structure of the tag also complicates matters. Playing on a one-year deal worth around $27 million may not align with Pickens’ long-term goals, particularly if he is seeking security and a multi-year commitment. That tension could make a holdout or trade request more plausible.

Adding another layer to the situation is Pickens’ representation by David Mulugheta, who also represents Parsons. Given the reported strain between Jones and Mulugheta, negotiations, or lack thereof, could become even more contentious.

As a result, the Cowboys may be risking not only losing one of their top players, but also entering a full-scale contract dispute with no easy resolution. At the same time, it’s not good to have an unhappy player on the field.

The move was confirmed by executive vice president Stephen Jones, who made it clear that negotiations are no longer part of the equation. “We’ve made a decision that we’re going to have George Pickens (play under the franchise tag). There won’t be negotiations on a long-term deal.”

With that stance established, the situation now carries significant potential for tension. Franchise tags often serve as a temporary solution, but they can also create friction when a player is seeking long-term security, particularly at a premium position like wide receiver.

Will Cowboys trade George Pickens?

The Cowboys could trade George Pickens. One key factor is that Pickens is not obligated to immediately sign the tag, opening the door to a possible contract standoff. Situations like this have previously escalated into prolonged disputes, especially when both sides remain firm in their positions.

There is also the possibility of a scenario similar to Micah Parsons, where contract tensions become a dominant storyline. If Pickens is unwilling to play under the tag, the situation could quickly shift from routine roster management to a broader contractual conflict. He wants at least $35 million per year as a top player in his position.

In a more aggressive outcome, Pickens could explore requesting a trade to a team willing to offer the long-term extension he is seeking. Until a resolution is reached, the Cowboys may find themselves navigating uncertainty around one of their most dynamic offensive weapons.

Pickens, acquired in a trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers, delivered an outstanding campaign in what was the final year of his rookie deal. With his production surging and his role firmly established in the offense, he is now seeking a multi-year extension worth around $35 million per season, aiming to become one of the highest-paid receivers in the league.

For now, the Cowboys have taken a different route. They opted to place the non-exclusive franchise tag on Pickens rather than finalize a long-term deal, a move that has only intensified speculation about his future. Speaking on 105.3 The Fan, executive vice president Stephen Jones said: “We’ve had no one call with interest in George Pickens.”

Could Cowboys trade George Pickens?

Despite Jones’ comments, trade rumors have not gone away. When a player of Pickens’ caliber is involved in a contract dispute, interest can develop quickly, especially if other teams believe the situation could escalate.

At the same time, the franchise tag creates a complicated dynamic. It gives Dallas short-term control, but it does not resolve the long-term question. If negotiations stall or tensions rise, the possibility of a trade could resurface, even if no offers have materialized yet. That’s what happened with the Steelers.

For the Cowboys, this is about balance. Keeping a high-level weapon for Prescott is crucial, but so is managing the salary cap and avoiding a deal that could limit future flexibility. How they handle Pickens in the coming months may define not just his future, but the direction of the offense moving forward.

“We’re just working, no different than I have any offseason,” the quarterback said during the Children’s Cancer Fund anniversary gala, via video from Jon Machota of TheAthletic.com. “Obviously, first real offseason with George being a part of it, and he’s showed up and been active, has looked great. So super excited, leaving all that, those contract talks and that off to the front office.”

Cowboys haven’t kicked off their voluntary offseason program yet. However, for the wide receiver to take part, he would need to either sign the franchise tag—worth $27.298 million for one season—or agree to a participation deal, which is not expected to happen.

A lethal duo in Dallas

The connection between Dak Prescott and George Pickens became the centerpiece of the Dallas Cowboys’ high-powered aerial attack last season. Prescott orchestrated a prolific campaign, finishing the season with 4,552 passing yards and 30 touchdowns against only 10 interceptions, earning a 99.5 passer rating and a Pro Bowl selection.

His primary deep threat, George Pickens, thrived in his first year in Dallas, setting career highs across the board with 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and 9 touchdowns. Averaging 15.4 yards per catch, Pickens provided the vertical explosive element Schottenheimer envisioned, helping the Cowboys maintain the NFL’s second-best offense and solidifying a dominant partnership that redefined the team’s offensive identity.

The Cowboys’ wide receiver corps

Beyond the options that George Pickens can give him in the offense, Dak Prescott also has other high-level targets, such as CeeDee Lamb.

The next NFL Draft in sight

The defense was undoubtedly one of the weak points of this team last season. Will they look to strengthen that area? These are the picks that Jerry Jones and company will soon have at their disposal.

• Round 1: No. 12
• Round 1: No. 20
• Round 3: No. 92
• Round 4: No. 112
• Round 5: No. 152
• Round 5: No. 177
• Round 5: No. 180
• Round 7: No. 218

“Hey look, GP loves it here. We love GP,” the head coach said Monday at the Annual League Meeting in Phoenix. “We have plans for GP to be here for a long time. So, we’ll let the business side of this thing play out and see where it goes.”

Pickens might sit out of offseason activities while awaiting a possible long-term deal. “We’re still a couple weeks away,” Schottenheimer also said of organized team activities. “It’s gonna play out how it plays out and again, it’s all voluntary. So we’ll see where it goes.”

Pickens and the rest of the franchise-tagged players have until July 15 to negotiate with their teams. These will be key moments to draw attention for both sides as they look ahead to the upcoming NFL season.

Pickens’ big 2025 with America’s Team

After being acquired from the Pittsburgh Steelers in May 2025, George Pickens enjoyed a career-defining breakout season with the Dallas Cowboys. He quickly became a favorite target for Dak Prescott, finishing the 2025 regular season with an impressive 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and 9 touchdowns in 17 games.

His explosive playmaking ability was on full display as he averaged 15.4 yards per catch, proving to be the elite deep threat Dallas needed to complement CeeDee Lamb. This dominant performance not only led to his first Pro Bowl selection but also solidified his status as one of the premier wide receivers in the league.

Major air weapons for Prescott

Undoubtedly, Dak Prescott can feel lucky. He has one of the most effective receiving corps in the league, as proven last season, throwing for 4,552 yards and finishing 3rd in this ranking, just behind Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff.

For 2026, this is the intriguing group of players who will be on the field and available for the Cowboys’ QB:

The Cowboys showcased one of the best offenses in the sport last year, and Pickens earned Second-Team All-Pro honors. Much of that success came from the connection between Prescott and Pickens. In a recent article from the Cowboys staff, Prescott was seen offering advice to Pickens about staying motivated after receiving a major payday.

“George loves football,” Prescott said. “That’s the one thing about it. I just want him to know, don’t change your love for football. Don’t get in the business mind of this. You played last year on a one year deal for not even that much, right? So, if you can go $30 million or whatever it is now, I think it’s the same thing I got when I was franchised, hey, go do it.

“At the end of the day, bet on yourself. He’s a hell of a player. Hopefully, we can get him long term and sign that but, if not, I think the way he plays the game, the person that he is, he’ll be just fine.”

Cowboys make decision on Pickens

One of those decisions involved what they would do with George Pickens, and they officially chose to place the franchise tag on him, according to ESPN’s Todd Archer. “The Dallas Cowboys will place the franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens today to secure his rights at least through 2026, according to sources. Fixed to adding today,” Archer wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

The Cowboys acquired Pickens in a trade last offseason, and the move proved to be a strong decision considering what they were able to do offensively. Dak Prescott had another reliable option in the passing game, and when CeeDee Lamb was injured, Pickens stepped up in his absence and delivered several important plays.

There is little doubt that Pickens deserves a long-term contract, but at this moment, it remains uncertain what the Cowboys ultimately plan to do. Placing the franchise tag on him shows that the Cowboys value him and want to retain him, but if he plays next NFL season under the tag and improves on his previous year, they may have to pay even more.