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Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones speaks on the ESPN set before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on October 16, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

The Dallas Cowboys are fresh off of having a solid all-around 2026 NFL Draft. Being able to land both safety Caleb Downs and pass rusher Malachi Lawrence in the first round was a big upgrade for a defense that badly needed help.

Later in the draft, the Cowboys were able to get a major potential steal in Florida cornerback Devin Moore. Other quality young players were drafted by Dallas as well.

While the NFL Draft was a positive for the Cowboys, the future of star wide receiver George Pickens remains a storyline surrounding the team.

Pickens was handed the non-exclusive franchise tag earlier this offseason. Dallas does not seem to have interest in working out a long-term extension. That has led to rumors the Cowboys could still look to trade him this offseason.

Should Dallas choose to keep him and the two sides stick together for the 2026 season, there still seems to be a good chance they part ways next offseason.

Cowboys Land New Prediction That Hints at George Pickens Leaving

Assuming Pickens does play out the 2026 season with the Cowboys, the questions and rumors will come back again next offseason.

With that being said, Cooper Petagna of CBS Sports has released a way-too-early 2027 NFL mock draft. His prediction for Dallas in the first round hints at the team moving on from Pickens.

Petagna has the Cowboys selecting Alabama standout wide receiver Ryan Williams with one of their first-round draft picks.

“After taking a step back as a sophomore, Williams will look to recapture the form that made him a household name as a freshman,” Petagna wrote. “Despite a disappointing second season, he still possesses rare, game-breaking talent and the versatility to project as a likely Day 1 selection.”

Williams being brought in with a first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft would be a clear sign that Pickens wouldn’t be coming back.

What’s the Latest Reporting on George Pickens?

According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, Pickens is still expected to sign his franchise tag tender and play out the 2026 season with Dallas.

“The expectation right now is still that he [George Pickens] shows up and plays on the tag,” Graziano said on “Get Up.”

Last season in his first year with the Cowboys, Pickens played in all 17 regular season games. He caught 93 passes for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns. All of those numbers were career highs.

Pickens should still be considered a potential trade candidate ahead of the 2026 season. However, the likelihood is that he plays for Dallas in 2026 and that next offseason is the time that he departs the franchise.