Stephen Jones: Cowboys Have ‘Zero Intention’ Of Trading George Pickens

Shortly before the opening round of the draft, it was learned George Pickens will sign his Cowboys franchise tag. The timing of the news led to speculation a trade could be in the works.

Plenty of time remains for a long-term contract to be worked out between team and player, but the Cowboys stated earlier this week they will not negotiate on that front. Players who receive the franchise tag must sign the one-year tender before they can be traded. A swap involving Pickens is possible as a result, but one should not be expected.

“We have no intention of moving George,” EVP Stephen Jones said (via the team’s website) after the opening round of the draft concluded. “We’re fired up about him signing his [tag], because it means he’s ready to come in here and get to work… We have zero intention of moving [him].”

Pickens signing his tag makes him eligible to take part in offseason work. The 2025 trade acquisition will turn his attention to his follow-up campaign in Dallas, one which will feature major expectations. Pickens was one of the league’s most productive wideouts last season, posting a 93-1,429-9 statline. He will be counted on to pair with CeeDee Lamb once more in 2026, doing so at a cost of $27.3MM. Affording Lamb and Pickens on lucrative long-term deals would be challenging for Dallas, fueling the belief the latter will be playing elsewhere in 2027.

Had the Cowboys drafted a receiver last night, Pickens’ future would have been even more of a talking point. Instead, Dallas wound up with safety Caleb Downs at No. 11 and edge rusher Malachi Lawrence at No. 23. That came as little surprise, with defensive reinforcements long seen as the team’s top priority in the draft. Day 2 or 3 could see WR depth added, but Pickens will be a key figure on offense once more in 2026 provided the Cowboys’ stance does not change.

June 1 will mark the beginning of OTAs for Dallas. That will be followed by mandatory minicamp later in the month. An absence by Pickens for those events would have been possible had he elected not to sign his franchise tag, but his attendance will be expected as he prepares for Year 2 as a Cowboy.