Will they? Won’t they? Will they? Won’t they? This question looms over the Dallas Cowboys, probably every single day. Regarding the franchise tag on their wide receiver, George Pickens.But CBS Sports’ Bryan DeArdo has the answer to it. Giving franchise tag to Pickens means creating a recipe for disaster since Pickens is known for self-sabotage when things don’t go according to his way.
Dallas Cowboys could trade George Pickens to Buffalo Bills in exchange for draft capital and Keon Coleman
The best solution for the Dallas Cowboys is to either sign George Pickens long-term or trade him to a team that would want to sign him long-term. Pickens’ 2025 stats are the mirror to this: 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and 9 touchdowns in 17 games. However, his 2024 stats playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers were not so good: 59 receptions for 900 yards and three touchdowns over 14 games.Anyhow, trading him or signing him for a long-term deal is the best solution for the Dallas Cowboys, if “they want to avoid another drama-filled season.” Last year, their drama-filled season featured the Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons, who wanted a long-term, market-setting contract extension. But they grew apart, and Parsons signed one of the highest-paid NFL deals with the Packers [four-year, $188M contract, with $120M guaranteed].Anyhow, the analyst even chose the best, drama-avoiding solution for the Dallas Cowboys: trade George Pickens. Why? His first four years of production were often clouded by his antics. Also, several teams would be interested in acquiring him. These teams would likely give the Cowboys the necessary draft capital and a productive wide receiver in return.And for that matter, let’s connect the dots here. ClutchPoints’ Enzo Flojo suggests a perfect trade offer for the Dallas Cowboys and the Buffalo Bills. The Bills would acquire George Pickens and give up their WR Keon Coleman, along with a 2027 first-round pick.Now, since the trade proposal came on the draft day, it also included a 2026 fourth-round pick. But now, that’s not possible. So, let’s consider Keon Coleman and a 2027 first-round pick in exchange for George Pickens. Now, how would Pickens fit into the Josh Allen-led franchise?
George Pickens could become a powerful weapon for Josh Allen
George Pickens could be paired with DJ Moore [acquired from the Chicago Bears] and Khalil Shakir to create a receiving corps trio that sports precision, explosiveness, and versatility. Moore is a route technician, Shakir is a reliable option, and Pickens could be the gravitational force who demands constant attention. Josh Allen could find the trio to be the ultimate unlock.Allen can attack any window on the gridiron, and Pickens, who is known for his elite catch radius and physicality, could expand those windows even more. This pairing could result in high-impact plays and red-zone dominance, and they could combine for double-digit touchdowns in just one season.
Keon Coleman may stay with Buffalo Bills
As for Keon Coleman, the Buffalo Bills’ owner Terry Pegula admitted it was the coaching staff’s decision to draft Coleman, and not general manager Brandon Beane [back in Jan. 2026]. The front office may not be on good terms with Coleman. Coleman could find a new home with the Dallas Cowboys.But just an hour ago, ESPN’s Alaina Getzenberg reported that the Buffalo Bills have planned on hitting a reset button with Keon Coleman. “We had some people connect with us in Indy, at least one team there, and a couple between there and the owners’ meetings. But we shut those down.Our intention is for Keon [Coleman] to be here, and so I think the word was kind of out. So, no calls this weekend… We’ve hit the reset button with him, and hopefully the fan base and everyone are behind him. I think his best year is yet to come here in 2026.”It looks like Keon Coleman wouldn’t be a part of the trade offer with the Dallas Cowboys, in case the Buffalo Bills decide to acquire George Pickens. But there’s always future draft capital.Also, NFL Insider Adam Schefter just reported via The Pat McAfee Show: “He [George Pickens] wants a long-term contract, or he would like a trade. They’ve been very clear that they’re not gonna give him a long-term contract.” So, would the Buffalo Bills consider George Pickens?
