The Dallas Cowboys have found themselves in a situation with George Pickens that fans were desperately hoping they would avoid. That situation is a messy contract saga.
It all started with the team franchise tagging Pickens, and admitting that they weren’t going to negotiate a long-term deal with him. Now, after conflicting reports about whether Pickens plans to sign the franchise tag or not, everyone is confused.
That confusion was intensified on Monday, when NFL insider Adam Schefter said in The Pat McAfee Show that Pickens is looking for a long-term deal or to be traded. Pat McAfee shared the clip of Schefter saying that, but it was eventually deleted. That left everyone wondering why the clip was taken down.
The Shan and RJ show on 105.3 The Fan tried to figure out the answer to that question on Tuesday. Shan Shariff said that typically when that happens, it’s because a player’s representation is reaching out to a reporter and telling them to take something down because it’s not accurate.
Cowboys insider Bobby Belt added that since Schefter didn’t have his details right pertaining to Pickens signing the franchise tag, it brings into question his entire report of the situation.
In a now-deleted clip, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on the Pat McAfee Show that George Pickens wants the #DallasCowboys to trade him if no long-term deal is reached. @1053SS, @rjchoppy and @BobbyBeltTX react⤵️ pic.twitter.com/jZWKQ3alzV
— 105.3 The FAN (@1053thefan) April 28, 2026
George Pickens’ Dallas Cowboys future remains unclear amid confusing franchise tag situation
Reading Schefter’s words in the deleted post through this lens, it seems like Pickens’ team was either frustrated that the insider prematurely put out this ultimatum, or that Schefter just completely had wrong information.
Either way, everyone is now waiting to see if Pickens will actually show up to sign his franchise tag anytime soon, or if he will request a trade.
Both options seem to be on the table.
The All-Pro wide receiver could just choose the path of least resistance and accept playing this season out on the tag in Dallas. Pickens could also grow frustrated that his elite season isn’t being rewarded with a long-term contract and try to force his way to a team that is willing to give him the funds and security he’s likely looking for.
It's fair to wonder, though, if any team is willing to meet Pickens' demands. The Cowboys just witnessed him supercharge their offense, and they still want to see more.
Of course, the Cowboys have said they won’t give the receiver a long-term deal, and that he’s also a part of their future. However, in the NFL, words don’t mean anything because teams go back on them all the time. Whether it's this offseason or next, Dallas must decide whether to pay Pickens or get rid of him.
Only time will tell.
Add us as a preferred source on Google