Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Key Points

George Pickens is reported to receive the franchise tag worth $28 million from the Dallas Cowboys.
CBS Sports predicted the Broncos to trade a 2nd round pick in 2026 for Pickens.
The Cowboys could still deal Pickens, even on the franchise tag.

Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes

The NFL offseason is officially here, and two teams, the Denver Broncos and Dallas Cowboys, are eyeing major changes to become Super Bowl contenders. The Cowboys have a big question mark around wide receiver George Pickens, and there are rumors swirling about the Broncos.

CBS Sports made the prediction that the Broncos will trade a second-round pick for the star wide receiver. The Cowboys are planning on giving Pickens the franchise tag, which will be around $28 million in 2026.

Let’s break down whether a Pickens trade to the Broncos is realistic or if this idea should be tabled.

More NFL Content From TWSN

The Tua Tagovailoa Situation Points to the NFL’s Biggest Problem

Steelers Land Kyler Murray in Blockbuster NFL Trade Scenario

Lamar Jackson is the Issue for the Baltimore Ravens

“Jerry Jones and Co. didn’t learn from the Micah Parsons saga, as we predict another dramatic standoff is in store for Dallas this offseason. Pickens will be hit with the franchise tag, as fans lament the reported lack of communication between the two camps.

Pickens requests a trade as the public spectacle intensifies. That’s when the Broncos swoop in and give the Cowboys a second-round pick for the wideout, then sign Pickens to a multi-year extension that pays him an average of $31 million per year. Bo Nix needs upgraded weaponry if the Broncos want to reach that next level. Pickens is that big-play weapon Broncos fans have been praying for.” – CBS Sports.

This is a lot to unpack, so let’s do it in specific segments.

Will the Cowboys Trade George Pickens?

We saw the Seattle Seahawks in a similar situation with DK Metcalf last offseason, where he was on the final year of his contract as a 27-year-old wide receiver. Instead of paying Metcalf the ~$30 million he’s getting on average for four seasons, they traded him for a 2nd rounder.

The extra cap space allowed Seattle to get key pieces like Cooper Kupp ($15 million per year), Demarcus Lawrence ($14 million per year), Sam Darnold (~$33 million per year), and to re-sign key players like Ernest Jones IV. 

In addition to the free agency cash it helped with, they used the 2nd rounder to move up in the draft for star safety Nick Emmanwari. He had a huge hand in how the defense performed down the stretch of the season. The loss of Metcalf hurt, but they had Jaxon Smith-Njigba pick up the slack as a true superstar.

Now bringing it back to Dallas, these situations could be seen as similar because the Cowboys have a young star receiver in Ceedee Lamb, have a major need elsewhere on the roster, such as improving the defense, in a place where that cap space would be well spent.

The Cowboys could go the route of the Cincinnati Bengals with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, but it would put a ton of pressure on the 2025 & 2026 defensive draft classes to produce. 

Why the Broncos Would Make This Trade

The Broncos’ receiving room has not been terrible, but despite making the AFC Conference Championship, it’s an area of the team that needs to be improved.

Courtland Sutton had 74 receptions, 1017 receiving yards, and 7 touchdowns. 
Troy Franklin had 65 receptions, 709 receiving yards, and 6 touchdowns.
Rookie Pat Bryant had 31 receptions, 378 receiving yards, and 1 touchdown.
Marvin Mims Jr had 37 receptions, 322 receiving yards, and 1 touchdown.

Sutton is a stud, but outside of that, there is a lot to be desired. Of course, Bryant was selected to be that next guy for Denver, but they shouldn’t wait for him to develop. Franklin and Mims are elite at their deep-speed roles, but are more situational receivers.

That’s where Pickens could step in as the bona fide wide receiver one. The biggest problem with this potential move is the fact that Sutton and Pickens have somewhat similar playstyles. Both are 6’3 big-bodied x-receivers that thrive as boundary receivers.

Sutton spends ~ 80% of snaps out wide versus ~ 18% of snaps in the slot. Pickens spends ~ 85% of snaps out wide and ~15% of snaps in the slot. This would be the biggest red flag because it would cause a log-jam, and quite frankly, not add a vastly unique skillset worth $30+ million per season.

George Pickens Stats

He delivered the best season of his career in every major category, hauling in 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns. That production led to Second Team All-Pro recognition and his first trip to the Pro Bowl.

His 1,429 receiving yards ranked third in the league and stand as the fourth-highest single-season total in Cowboys franchise history. With numbers like that, he’s positioned to command a significant payday as one of the premier free agents this offseason.

Related

Subscribe to the TWSN Newsletter for original reporting, bold opinions, and real analysis across NFL, NBA, UFC, College Football, and more.

Straight to your inbox. Always authentic.

Sign up now and never miss a moment.