New NFL Rumors on George Pickens' Cowboys Contract Talks, Possibility of Trade Amid Buzz on WR

The Dallas Cowboys aren't expected to trade wide receiver George Pickens despite the possible lack of a long-term contract agreement heading into next season, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

"I do not expect a long-term deal this year," Rapoport reported during a Friday appearance on the Pat McAfee Show. "If he plays well and does everything he did last year, I think next offseason he'll be able to cash in and be one of the highest-paid receivers in the NFL. I don't believe they're gonna trade him. I think they just wanted to see more in one more year."

Pickens is currently projected to hit free agency in 2027 after playing his 2026 campaign on the franchise tag.

While both sides didn't agree to a long-term deal, the receiver wasn't disappointed with the result and was still looking forward to suiting up for the Cowboys.

"What's important to me is winning," Pickens said Thursday, per Jon Machota of The Athletic. "Like I said from the beginning, I always wanna bring a Super Bowl to a group of guys that never had that feeling. That's really the most important part to me."

He's coming off a breakout year in 2025, earning a Pro Bowl nod for the first time in his career after the Pittsburgh Steelers traded him to Dallas during the prior offseason.

In 17 games, Pickens hauled in a career-high 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns.

The Cowboys appear to be willing to see if he's able to replicate his production in 2026 before handing him a long-term contract, though.