Mar 23, 2026, 2:03 PM CUT
George Pickens Reportedly Draws Rival Interest Amid Cowboys WR Uncertainty
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ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 14: Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens 3 celebrates scoring a touchdown during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants on September 14, 2025 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA SEP 14 Giants at Cowboys EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon16925091411500
George Pickens' future, once thought to be in Dallas, is now uncertain. Rival teams like the New York Jets and New England Patriots are reportedly interested in the star receiver, potentially creating a bidding war that could reshape the AFC.
Bleacher Report’s Christopher Knox wrote, “There would be a risk involved with signing Pickens to an offer sheet, considering the cost and maturity concerns that forced him away from the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, it could be worth considering for teams with a surplus of cap space and a need at wide receiver, like the New York Jets and New England Patriots.”
The wide receiver made a name for himself in the 2025 NFL season. His numbers were slightly better than CeeDee Lamb's as well. In the 2025 NFL season, Pickens caught the football 93 times for 1,429 yards and had nine touchdowns.
And if you think about it, the Patriots could be the perfect destination for Pickens. The team is looking for a statement wide receiver signing after Stefon Diggs was released from the team. Pickens can be the perfect replacement.
The Alabama native earned the titles of Pro Bowler and Second-team All-Pro for his performances in the 2025 season. A potential pairing with Drake Maye could set up another Super Bowl run.
Jerry Jones and the front office put the franchise tag on their lead wide receiver, but the two entities have not agreed on a long-term deal.
Pickens will make a significant increase in his salary if he plays the 2026 season on the tag. In the final year of his rookie deal, Pickens made about $3.6 million and will make approximately $27.2 million when he plays on the tag.
Why will it not be easy for other teams to sway him away from Dallas?
There could be a world where either of the teams from the East comes in and tries to sign Pickens.
Pickens is currently a restricted free agent and not an unrestricted free agent, which changes the whole dynamic, and Jones and co. hold all the cards at the table.
There is one other option: that the team tries to trade for Pickens, but what would Dallas ask for?
It will be extremely difficult for another team to acquire George Pickens right now, even if they have the cap space to do so.
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