Jason Burgos
George Pickens’ future in Dallas is no longer a sure thing. After quieting his doubters and improving his reputation with a breakout season for the Cowboys in 2025, owner and general manager Jerry Jones insisted for weeks that locking the receiver up to a long-term deal was inevitable. Well, that may no longer be the case.
On Wednesday, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter claimed on an episode of Get Up that “They’re nowhere with George Pickens right now. Nowhere. They are not really talking about an extension.” Later in the day, Cowboys COO Stephen Jones told Dallas media, “There won’t be negotiations on a long-term deal,” and the pass catcher will play on his $27.3 million franchise tag next season.
It has led to a lot of speculation that the team could look to move Pickens during the NFL Draft, especially in Round 1. If they did take that bold step, let’s look at five teams that could acquire the player who posted 93 catches, 1,429 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns in 2025.
Arizona Cardinals
There has been a lot of buzz that Dallas would love to move up to the No. 3 pick and select either David Bailey or Arvell Reese — or whoever the New York Jets don’t take at No. 2. Either could be a long-term fix to fill the gap left in the pass rush after they traded Micah Parsons last year.
However, some question if the ‘Boys giving up their picks at No. 12 and 20 would entice the Arizona Cardinals. But if they offer Pickens and No. 20, as well as a day three selection, that may be enough. While the Cards have a messy QB situation, the combo of Pickens and Marvin Harrison Jr. would be good weapons for whoever their signal-caller is in 2026 and beyond.
New York Jets
The Cowboys could also look to move all the way up to No. 2 with rumors swirling for weeks that the Jets are open to trading down.
New York coach Aaron Glenn is feeling a lot of pressure to be much better in 2026, or he will likely be fired. He has big hopes for veteran QB Geno Smith. So getting him another big weapon like Pickens could boost their chances of a huge turnaround on offense next season. Dallas could benefit from Glenn’s desperation and get whoever they want at No. 2.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers are looking to take another big step forward in Year 2 under head coach Jim Harbaugh. They lacked a game-breaker receiver in 2025. Pickens could help elevate them into a true Super Bowl contender if he were acquired. Because of the impact Pickens could have in offensive coordinator Mike McDaniels system, LA might be willing to give up their pick at 22 for the receiver and ink him to an extension to serve as Justin Herbert’s WR1 for years to come.
Los Angeles Rams
Early in the offseason, the Los Angeles Rams showed they are all-in on finishing their Super Bowl story when they gave up the No. 29 pick in Round 1 for Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro Trent McDuffie. Reports linked them to a potential trade for Philadelphia Eagles star AJ Brown last month. However, they backed off from a deal.
Would LA be willing to give up its pick at 13 in Round 1 for Pickens? Maybe not. However, a deal that sends pick No. 13 and Davante Adams to Dallas for Pickens, pick 20, and a third-rounder might be possible. The Cowboys would have picks 12 and 13 in Round 1, as well as a good replacement for Pickens. While the Rams form a deadly WR duo for reigning MVP Matthew Stafford next season.
New England Patriots
Another team that can’t be ruled out in a potential George Pickens trade market is the New England Patriots. They badly need a young go-to receiver if they hope to have a real chance at getting back to the Super Bowl next season.
They are among the teams interested in AJ Brown. However, that may cost two first-round picks. Giving up their pick at 31 on Thursday night, plus a third-rounder may be enough to get them the WR1 Drake Maye has wished for.
