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George Pickens #3 of the Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys entered the 2026 NFL offseason with a major decision to make about star wide receiver George Pickens.

Jerry Jones and company decided not to give him a long-term contract extension. Instead, they placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Pickens. That tender has not been signed and speculation has continued to swirl about the wideout’s future in Dallas.

With the 2026 NFL Draft set to begin tonight, the Cowboys remain an active name in the rumor mill. Pickens could still be traded this offseason if Dallas chooses to move on.

Trading Pickens and drafting a wide receiver to replace him could make sense for the Cowboys. That scenario has received a strong opinion from one former NFL quarterback.

Former NFL QB Speculates About Cowboys Trading George Pickens

During a Thursday appearance on “Get Up,” ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky talked openly about the possibility that Dallas could trade Pickens for a second-round pick.

“If the Cowboys get a second round pick for George Pickens and they draft a receiver tonight, that’s a good job by their front office,” Orlovsky said.

As of right now, the Cowboys hold two first-round picks. They are scheduled to be on the clock with the No. 12 and No. 20 picks. Both of those selections should have ample wide receiver talent to choose from, should they choose to do so.

That being said, moving on from a talent like Pickens would be a very difficult decision to make. Jones and the front office have to get this move right.

Losing George Pickens Would Be a Blow for Dallas’ Offense

After being acquired by Dallas following the 2025 NFL Draft, Pickens went on to have a massive breakout season.

He played in all 17 regular season games for the Cowboys, catching 93 passes for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns. Pickens looked the part of a legitimate No. 1 NFL wideout.

Pickens being traded would be an instant setback for the Dallas offense. Even if the Cowboys were to replace him with a first-round wide receiver, it would be nearly impossible to replace the production that Pickens brought the field last season.

However, the fact of the matter is that Dallas isn’t going to pay Pickens the money he wants. The Cowboys can’t afford to have Pickens at the number he’s looking for while also paying CeeDee Lamb top-tier wide receiver money.

Only time will tell what Dallas chooses to do with Pickens. The fact of the matter is that the wide receiver remains a top potential NFL trade candidate heading into the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.