The Kansas City Chiefs have a critical need at the wide receiver position to play alongside quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Recently, an NFL analyst predicted Dallas Cowboys' WR George Pickens as a possible addition to address that need. 

According to Moe Moton of Bleacher Report, the Cowboys' hesitation to sign Pickens for a long-term deal opens the possibility of the wideout being traded ‘midway through the upcoming campaign.’

“The Cowboys may see untapped potential in (Ryan) Flournoy, who could outpace his 2025 receiving numbers in a stable role,” Moton wrote. “If so, they may be comfortable with moving on from Pickens, whose market value is steep after his career year, hauling in 93 passes for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns.”  

The Cowboys executives were clear that they intend to let Pickens play under the tag ($27.3M) for this year, with no long-term deal on the horizon. However, they were equally firm on their stance on not trading Pickens as well.

Pickens' current market value is projected as a 4-year, $122.4M contract, averaging $30.6M annually, according to Spotrac.

Moton believes that adding star wideout Pickens to the Chiefs' WR room could fulfill a primary weakness in the team's WR spot behind Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy.

"If Flournoy blossoms in a complementary role, the Cowboys could trade Pickens to a receiver-needy contending team like the Kansas City Chiefs, who don't have a reliable lead perimeter playmaker," Moton wrote.

WR Rashee Rice has averaged 10.8 yards per reception. But his recent legal troubles and a 2025 season-ending knee injury drew doubts regarding his lineup for a significant portion of the season, according to Leigh Oleszczak of Arrowhead Addict.

While Tyquan Thornton was underutilized in 2025, his 23.1 yards per reception were the best in the NFL last season for any player with more than seven catches, per Sports Illustrated's Joshua Brisco.

Worthy averaged 12.7 yards per reception, posting 42 receptions for 532 yards despite a shoulder injury in 2025. But his production was inefficient post-surgery.

As one of the league's 'most athletically gifted wide receivers', Pickens possesses the skill set that could make him an interesting target for a team seeking to elevate Mahomes' strengths.

Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys have found another long-term weapon to bolster their offensive line.

Cowboys may have found their next receiving weapon in Ryan Flournoy

WR Ryan Flournoy, who is projected as the potential WR3, was working with the first-team offense alongside quarterback Dak Prescott during the OTAs.

"Ryan Flournoy, I really think, is taking the next step," head coach Brian Schottenheimer said, per Joseph Hoyt of the Dallas Morning News. "I think he has a chance to be a terrific receiver in this league."

Moton believes that if the Cowboys trade Pickens, Flournoy can prove to be a potential replacement for the Pro Bowler after Flournoy's 2025 breakout season.

"Schottenheimer's comments alone aren't a reason to believe Flournoy is Pickens' eventual replacement, but it's worth noting the 26-year-old receiver caught 40 passes for 475 yards and four touchdowns last season," Moton wrote.

While Pickens long-term future with the Cowboys is unconfirmed, Flournoy is quickly making a case for a larger role in the Cowboys' offense.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit