Cowboys Predicted to Lose George Pickens to AFC Rival in Crazy Scenario

The Dallas Cowboys and their contract negotiations with George Pickens have been a hot topic throughout the offseason. As expected, the Cowboys are looking to place the franchise tag on Pickens, but the situation remains fluid. While the tag serves as a placeholder, the real discussions will begin as both sides aim to secure a long-term deal that would keep the star wide receiver in Dallas for years to come.

However, despite the positive comments from both Jerry Jones and Pickens’ camp, the Cowboys’ history with big contracts — most notably Micah Parsons’ trade saga — has fans on edge. The Cowboys’ track record with star players and large contracts doesn’t exactly inspire confidence, and the specter of another holdout or trade remains a looming threat.

The Scenario: Pickens to the Denver Broncos?

In a bold offseason prediction, CBS Sports’ Jordan Dajani suggests a crazy scenario where the Dallas Cowboys end up trading George Pickens to an AFC rival, the Denver Broncos, for a second-round pick. Dajani, in his “10 Crazy Offseason Scenarios” piece, speculates that Pickens could request a trade as the contract standoff intensifies, and the Broncos swoop in, offering the Cowboys a second-round pick in return.

Dajani writes:
“Jerry Jones and Co. didn’t learn from the Micah Parsons saga, as we predict another dramatic standoff is in store for Dallas this offseason. Pickens requests a trade as the public spectacle intensifies. That’s when the Broncos swoop in and give the Cowboys a second-round pick for the wideout, then sign Pickens to a multi-year extension that pays him an average of $31 million per year.”

Is a Second-Round Pick Enough for Pickens?

While the idea of Pickens being traded is indeed intriguing, the notion that the Cowboys would accept just a second-round pick for the wide receiver seems unrealistic, especially considering Pickens’ performance in the 2025 season.

After a standout year, Pickens’ trade value would likely be much higher than a second-round pick. The Cowboys, who have invested heavily in their offense and have relied on Pickens’ talents to strengthen their receiving corps, would demand much more in return for the star wideout. A second-round pick would fall well short of compensating for what Pickens brings to the table.

Moreover, the $31 million per year contract that the Broncos would offer Pickens could also seem appealing. However, it’s uncertain if that would be enough to sway the Cowboys, who have already shown how valuable Pickens is to their offense. Mike Fisher, a well-regarded source within the Cowboys’ organization, has stated that if the team were to trade Pickens, it would be an “aneurysm-inducing” move within the Cowboys’ front office. This indicates just how important Pickens is to the Cowboys, making a trade unlikely unless the team is blown away by an offer.

The Reality of Pickens’ Situation

The growing speculation about a potential trade has been getting louder over the last few days, and it likely won’t die down until Pickens’ future with the team is secured. As it stands, the Cowboys are still in the process of negotiating with Pickens, hoping to lock him down with a long-term deal. Until that happens, the possibility of a trade will hang over the franchise, with the team and its fans left in suspense.

As we’ve seen in recent years, the Cowboys aren’t afraid to make bold moves, but trading George Pickens — one of their most valuable assets — would be a dramatic shift. And while this particular trade scenario may be bold, it’s clear that the Cowboys’ front office understands just how essential Pickens is to their future success.

What’s Next for George Pickens and the Cowboys?

The next few weeks are critical for both Pickens and the Cowboys. Fans will be watching closely to see if the team can successfully navigate these contract negotiations and secure Pickens for the long haul. However, the growing noise around potential trade talks won’t disappear until the team puts pen to paper on a long-term contract for their star wide receiver.

The Cowboys are at a crossroads, and the direction they take with Pickens will have lasting ramifications for the future of the franchise. If they can find a way to keep Pickens happy and locked into a deal, the Cowboys will be in prime position to compete in the NFC. But if they fail to do so, the possibility of losing him to a rival team like the Broncos could significantly alter their offensive plans for the future.

For now, Cowboys fans are left holding their breath, hoping the franchise can avoid another Micah Parsons-like saga and secure a long-term deal with one of their brightest stars.