While the Dallas Cowboys’ playoff hopes are over for the 2025 campaign, the team could franchise tag wide receiver George Pickens during the offseason, which could lead to a possible trade. According to a source, Jon Machota of The Athletic doesn’t believe the Cowboys will give Pickens a long-term contract, but rather tag him, which would bring him back for one more season. Now, this isn’t to say that Pickens will request a trade if this happens, but if Jerry Jones stalls and doesn’t pay the wide receiver what he wants, anything can go wrong in this situation. Pickens is slated to hit the free agent market in March with a ton of pride, recording 1,212 receiving yards on 81 receptions and eight touchdowns.
Cowboys Possible Franchise Tag On George Pickens Could Lead to Shocking Trade
There are still a few games left in the regular season, so it shouldn’t be surprising if Pickens increases his stock by March. Unfortunately, his numbers have dropped dramatically in the past two games against the Lions and Vikings. This could prompt Jones and the Cowboys to reconsider committing to a long-term future with Pickens, especially given his past off-field antics.
The good news is that the Cowboys have time to figure that out, but Jones can’t take advantage of that moment. Pickens is a solid offensive weapon for Dak Prescott’s success in this roster, and they can’t afford to let him join another team. The bad thing for Dallas is that the receiver has the same agent as Micah Parsons, so anything can happen in March. If Pickens decides to request a trade if the Cowboys franchise tag him, here are some possible suitors.
Potential Fits
Washington Commanders
This is something Dallas would want to avoid if they let Pickens test free agency. There’s no way the Cowboys will trade one of their best weapons to their rival, but Pickens could join the Commanders through the market. Things didn’t pan out for Washington this 2025 campaign, but they still have somewhat of a promising roster despite facing several questions about the future of Deebo Samuel. The veteran became a part of trade rumors once again before the deadline since the Commanders had no chance of reaching the postseason.
If Washington still believes in a quick run similar to the 2024 season, the team could try to get Pickens under contract and pair him with Terry McLaurin, which Dan Quinn would try to do. It’s nothing new for Quinn, who brought former Cowboys to Washington, including Dorance Armstrong and Tyler Biadasz.
Los Angeles Chargers
Meanwhile, the Chargers need stardom on their offense. While they could slowly turn Ladd McConkey electric, the Chargers must find another long-term weapon to help him. Keenan Allen is getting old, and Quentin Johnston hasn’t been consistent. Pickens could rejuvenate the heart and soul of this pass-attack to supplement quarterback Justin Herbert to make life easier, other than relying on his ball-carriers.
San Francisco 49ers
However, the receiver unit in San Francisco will probably look dramatically different. Brandon Aiyuk is set to leave the 49ers after being “distant” since his injury last year. The same case can be said about Jauan Jennings. He’s slated to become a free agent in March, which would leave the 49ers’ pass attack a massive void to fill.
Pickens might serve as the next potential outstanding weapon in San Francisco, which Kyle Shanahan wouldn’t mind getting him paired with Brock Purdy.
