George Pickens Trade Rumors Addressed by Cowboys' Stephen Jones amid NFL Draft Day Buzz

The Dallas Cowboys and George Pickens did not reach an agreement on a long-term deal this offseason, but that doesn't mean the NFC East team wants to trade the wide receiver.

"We have no intention of moving George," executive vice president Stephen Jones told reporters Thursday. "We're fired up about him signing his [tag], because it means he's ready to come in here and get to work. ... We have zero intention of moving [him]."

As Patrik Walker of the team's official website noted, Pickens told the Cowboys he will sign the franchise tag and play on a $27.3 million deal for the 2026 campaign.

That he is not signed beyond 2026 and the news breaking right before the NFL draft started created plenty of speculation, but the Cowboys have been straightforward about their desire to keep Pickens in the fold.

"Make no mistake about it, we have long-term plans in mind for Pickens," team owner Jerry Jones said during March's league meetings, while head coach Brian Schottenheimer said, "We have plans for G.P. to be here for a long time."

It is hard to argue with the production at this point, as Pickens thrived in his first season with the Cowboys after they acquired him from the Pittsburgh Steelers.

He finished with career-highs across the board with 93 catches for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns and found immediate chemistry with Dak Prescott. The Cowboys needed him to be the No. 1 wide receiver when CeeDee Lamb was sidelined for three games, but he also found ways to produce when he shared the field with the top target.

The defensive attention Lamb draws on a weekly basis ended up being ideal for Pickens, as he took advantage of single coverage and matchups with cornerbacks down the depth chart for his best season since he entered the league in 2022.

Offense was not a problem for the Cowboys last season, and it isn't as much of a concern at this point with Pickens, Lamb and Prescott still on the roster.

They responded during Thursday's draft by adding two defenders (Caleb Downs and Malachi Lawrence) in the first round before Jones assured fans they have no plans on trading Pickens even though his long-term future is still up in the air.