New George Pickens Rumors on Trade Ultimatum amid Cowboys Contract Buzz Amid Franchise Tag Decision

Star receiver George Pickens reportedly still isn't satisfied with his contract situation with the Dallas Cowboys.

During Monday's episode of The Pat McAfee Show, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Pickens "wants a long-term contract, or he would like a trade."

While there was buzz that Pickens was signing his franchise tag ahead of last week's draft, ESPN's Todd Archer reported the wideout had not done so as of Monday.

Schefter went on to reveal that people from Pickens' camp probed other teams to gauge any potential trade interest in him, but "nothing materialized." He added that the Cowboys have been "adamant" that they won't trade the Pro Bowler despite announcing that they won't sign him to a long-term deal this offseason.

By signing the franchise tag, Pickens would play out the 2026 season on a $27.3 million contract before becoming a free agent next year. Schefter compared his situation with Dallas to how the team handled star edge rusher Micah Parsons, pointing out that Parsons was traded to the Green Bay Packers despite the Cowboys' desire to retain him. He described Pickens as "more tradeable than Parsons" because of Dallas' unwillingness to negotiate a long-term contract.

Schefter went on to add that Pickens is "as good as anybody," so he expects a strong market of teams that will attempt to pry him away from the Cowboys.

Pickens was an integral part of Dallas' passing attack in his first season with the team after being acquired from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Trading him away after one year would be a massive surprise, but it could be the preferred outcome for Pickens as he looks to cash in with a bank-breaking contract.