The Dallas Cowboys wrapped up the first round on day one of the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting safety Caleb Downs with the 11th overall pick and edge rusher Malachi Lawrence with the 23rd overall pick.

During the post-draft press conference, Stephen Jones provided an update about trading George Pickens after the franchise tag update.  

As per Clarence Hill Jr.'s post on his X account, Stephen Jones has “no intention of moving George.”

The COO of the Dallas Cowboys continued, saying:

"He's ready to come in here and sign his tender. Hopefully, he's ready to go to work, but we have zero intention of moving George Pickens." 

This update about Pickens comes a day after the Cowboys announced that the wide receiver would play on the franchise tag this year, with no long-term deal on the horizon. 

"I think we've made a decision that we're going to have George play under the franchise tag, which won't be a first for us. So there won't be negotiations on a long-term deal," Stephen Jones said to Garrett Podell from CBS Sports during the pre-draft conference.

Jones further confirmed no trade buzz for star WR George Pickens. Speaking on 105.3 The Fan, he said: 

“No, we have had no one call with interest in George Pickens.” 

Despite Pickens' stellar 2025 (No. 3 in yards at 1,429, career-high 93 catches), teams aren't biting, yet. Though his $27M tag proves his worth, Jones is signaling that the Cowboys won't budge while awaiting draft moves or offer sheets.

Though Jones' comments make the Cowboys' stance somewhat clear on the Pro Bowler, a prominent writer and analyst believes otherwise.

Analyst Questions Cowboys’ Long-Term Plans for George Pickens

Jon Machota of The Athletic isn’t buying Jones’s excuse of no team calling for Pickens and doubts whether they are really interested in long-term talks for the WR at all.

Speaking on the One-Star Podcast, Machota gave his thoughts on Picken’s future with the Cowboys. 

"For him (Jones) to go on the radio and be asked if there has been interest, and for him to say they have not gotten any calls about a potential trade for George Pickens, I thought that was very telling.”

Machota further clarified his comments, as he feels the Cowboys are not interested in a long-term deal.

“They seem completely fine with the franchise tag. I know this will continue to be a story all offseason and into training camp, but it just does not seem like they have very much interest at all in getting a long-term deal done.” 

Machota views the Cowboys as comfortable with Pickens' franchise tag, showing little push for a long-term extension. If they do not agree to a contract extension before July 15, he will be eligible for free agency in the 2027 offseason.

Do you think the Cowboys will retain Pickens?

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi