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Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox argued the Green Bay Packers should pursue a trade for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens.
The Green Bay Packers could use an upgrade at wide receiver this offseason and clearly already have a trade relationship with the Dallas Cowboys. So, it’s only natural to suggest the Packers as a potential trade destination for wide receiver George Pickens.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox reiterated the possibility of Pickens heading to Green Bay over the weekend. Knox named the Packers one of six teams that “must pursue” the Cowboys star receiver this offseason.
“One could argue that the Green Bay Packers were let down in the playoffs by their defense far more than their receiving corps. After all, Green Bay did build a 21-3 halftime lead against the rival Chicago Bears in the wild-card round before blowing it in the second half,” wrote Knox.
“Still, Green Bay lacks a truly dominant receiver in the mold of Pickens. Jordan Love worked well with the Packers’ collection of young pass-catchers this past season, but he never had one premier target who was consistently open.
“While the Packers undoubtedly still believe that 2025 first-round pick Matthew Golden can be that top-tier target, he isn’t there yet. Fellow receiver Romeo Doubs, who led Green Bay in receiving this past season, could also depart in free agency.”
Pickens would be an upgrade over Romeo Doubs, who led the Packers in receiving but only had 724 receiving yards during 2025.
Pickens has eclipsed 800 receiving yards in all four of his NFL campaigns. Last season, he posted career highs of 93 receptions, 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.
Behind those statistics, Pickens made second-team All-Pro and the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career.
Could the Packers Land WR George Pickens From Cowboys?
A potential Packers-Cowboys trade involving Pickens makes a lot of sense on paper. That’s the case in large part because the two teams executed a deal with edge rusher Micah Parsons last offseason.
But there are obstacles to making another Packers-Cowboys blockbuster move a reality. Knox explored them, which includes the fact Green Bay doesn’t have a first-round pick. The team already sent that to Dallas for Parsons.
“Projected to be $4.3 million over the salary cap, the Packers would need to create some cap space to facilitate an extension with Pickens. However, GM Brian Gutekunst should be able to make that happen,” wrote Knox.
“The big question for Green Bay is whether Dallas would truly entertain something less than a first-round pick for Pickens. The Packers don’t have one after already sending a pair of first-rounders to the Cowboys for Micah Parsons.
“Gutekunst should at least call and see if he can swing another deal with Jerry Jones and the Cowboys.”
Green Bay doesn’t have a first-rounder in 2027 either. The Packers also included that selection in the Parsons deal.
What Acquiring Pickens From Cowboys Could Cost?
If the Cowboys insist on landing a first-rounder for Pickens, then the Packers are very likely out of the running. But NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport suggested on February 12 that teams could land Pickens for a second-rounder.
The 24-year-old receiver is set to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason. But the Cowboys are expected to place the franchise tag on Pickens.
That would give Dallas some flexibility. The Cowboys could keep Pickens on his one-year tender or trade him to the highest bidder. The franchise tag could also buy Dallas time to reach a long-term agreement with the wideout.
Off his breakout season, Pickens should land a lucrative contract. But that still doesn’t mean Pickens will cost more than a first-rounder, especially if he demands a trade from Dallas should the Cowboys not offer him an extension.
In Green Bay, Pickens would give the Packers a consistent, big-play receiver. Pickens has averaged at least 15.3 yards per catch in all four of his NFL campaigns.
Dave Holcomb is a sports reporter covering the NFL and MLB for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions. Originally from Pittsburgh, Holcomb has covered college and professional sports for outlets including FanSided, Rotowire and Yardbarker. More about Dave Holcomb
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