Cowboys vice president Stephen Jones confirmed on April 22 that Dallas will not engage in long-term contract talks with Pickens while he remains tagged, per reporting. The stance keeps the door open for a trade or other outcomes as the market for top WRs develops.
Analysts and pundits have suggested Pickens could land elsewhere for a top-market deal, not staying with the Cowboys under the franchise tag. One prominent voice on the topic argued that he will be paid well and that multiple teams will pursue him, creating a competitive bidding environment.
Pickens posted strong production and value last season, underscoring why he’s a target for teams seeking a game-changing receiver. He accumulated high-end PFF grades and produced 93 receptions on 131 targets for about 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, averaging around 15.4 yards per catch.
In Las Vegas, the Raiders have been viewed as a potential fit to address the WR1 void, even as they add other weapons such as Jalen Nailor and Brock Bowers on different positions. A former wideout has publicly supported the idea of Pickens switching to the Raiders, arguing he could become the team’s top receiver under new leadership.
Some media voices believe the Cowboys should at least explore offers for Pickens, noting how a strategic trade could unlock value. The discussion centers on Dallas potentially moving Pickens for a second-round pick by leveraging his productive season and the likelihood he won’t play under the tag for long, turning a third-round asset into a higher pick and immediate compensation.
