The Dallas Cowboys are drawing significant attention this offseason over how they intend to manage two of their most pressing decisions: whether to trade one of their first-round draft picks and how to secure breakout wide receiver George Pickens for the long term.
Both decisions carry major implications for the team’s immediate competitiveness and salary cap strategy.
At the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Cowboys CEO and co-owner Stephen Jones addressed speculation about the team’s willingness to part with one of its 2026 first-round selections.
When asked about trading a premium draft pick for a player who could make an immediate impact, Jones emphasized that Dallas remains flexible.
“It’s tough to predict,” Jones told reporters. “We’re certainly open-minded to it. Always open-minded to trading. The right guy fits, the perfect fit, and we would certainly look at it and see if it worked in with what we’re trying to get accomplished.”
His comments indicate that while the Cowboys highly value draft capital, they will not hesitate to make a move if it significantly improves the roster. Analysts suggest this approach allows Dallas to balance long-term team-building with immediate championship aspirations.
Amid these draft discussions, the Cowboys are also managing a critical contract situation with Pickens, who rose to prominence in 2025. After Dallas traded for him prior to last season, Pickens delivered career-best numbers: 93 receptions, 1,429 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns, earning second-team All-Pro honors.
His breakout season has established him as a cornerstone of Dallas’ passing attack, making his long-term retention a top priority.
Cowboys move to keep Pickens, for now
Jones confirmed that the Cowboys plan to place the franchise tag on Pickens before the March 3 deadline, keeping him under contract for at least the 2026 season while long-term extension talks continue.
The tag is projected to be worth around $28.8 million, a fully guaranteed one-year deal that gives Dallas time to negotiate without the risk of losing Pickens to free agency.
Negotiations could prove complicated. The Cowboys already pay star wideout CeeDee Lamb an average annual salary of $34 million, making a second top-tier receiver a significant financial commitment.
Another factor is Pickens‘ agent, David Mulugheta, who previously had tense negotiations with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones during linebacker Micah Parsons’ contract talks, ultimately resulting in Parsons‘ trade to the Green Bay Packers. The past friction raises questions about how smoothly Pickens‘ long-term contract talks will progress.
Despite these challenges, Stephen Jones expressed a strong desire to retain Pickens in Dallas.
“We want Pickens here. Think the world of him,” he said. “I want him here. I love him and I think he wants to be here.”
The Cowboys’ strategy appears clear: keep Pickens under the franchise tag to secure his services while exploring a long-term deal that aligns with the team’s salary cap and roster goals.
As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Dallas to see whether the Cowboys can convert the franchise tag into a lasting commitment or if Pickens‘ next major contract will take him elsewhere,.
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