Recent talk about George Pickens is extremely concerning

The week after the Super Bowl is always the worst. The NFL season is finally over and now we have to figure out what to do with our time until at least free agency opens.

The Dallas Cowboys should be in for a very busy offseason.

At least we should all hope.

Now that the coaching staff is finally complete, they need to get to work on getting the right personnel in the building, and it starts with Javonte Williams and George Pickens.

Yet all these recent reports from everyone are providing extremely concerning news regarding what Dallas might do with Pickens.

A Lot Of Smoke

According to NFL Network’s lead league insider Ian Rapoport, the Dallas Cowboys are expected to franchise tag star wide receiver George Pickens.

However, instead of keeping him or signing him to an extension, Rapoport mentioned that they could trade him for a second-round pick.

Tagging Pickens would be only a temporary salve for a Cowboys club that currently sits $29.2 million over the salary cap. Considering Pickens would surely prefer long-term security after a breakout season in 2025, a tag-and-trade could be seen as a win-win for both parties should an extension not come to be.

Teams have until July 15 to sign a franchise-tagged player to an extension. Otherwise, the player must play on the tag or a one-year deal (a trade or the individual holding out notwithstanding).

We already knew they planned to place the tag on him, but trading him for a 2nd round pick after his career-best season is dumb.

First of all, he is best suited to stay in Dallas and many people have said that. Dak Prescott has the leadership to keep him in the right place of mind like he did in 2025, and with CeeDee Lamb on the other hand, it is a no-brainier.

Pickens, who made his first career Pro Bowl with 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns, also posted 15.4 yards per reception, 5.5 receptions per game and 84.1 yards per game.

Lamb (75 catches, 1,077 yards, 3 TDs) finished with 14.4 yards per reception with 5.4 receptions and 76.9 yards per game.