Stephen Jones Reveals George Pickens is Staying Put Amidst Lack of Trade Interest

George Pickens could interest teams with his non-exclusive franchise tag, as he wants close to $40 million a year.

Stephen Jones Reveals George Pickens is Staying Put Amidst Lack of Trade Interest

George Pickens and Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones (Image via Nick/X/Imago)

In Short
  • Stephen Jones confirmed that the Cowboys have received no trade interest in George Pickens.
  • The Cowboys placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on Pickens worth $27.298 million.
  • Dallas is focusing on the NFL Draft, seeking defensive reinforcements to enhance their roster.

Even though the Dallas Cowboys placed a franchise tag on George Pickens, fans and analysts know that owner Jerry Jones and his son, Stephen Jones, were merely trying to delay giving him a long-term contract.

The non-exclusive tag meant that other teams could offer him a contract. The Cowboys will have five days to either match it or decline.

If they do the latter, then they will receive two first-round picks as compensation. Considering how the Joneses have been stockpiling draft assets and converting them into valuable additions, this was a gamble they were willing to take.

It also meant that they were open to the idea of Pickens leaving in the event he received a contract that interest him. Even though that would break the offense, the Cowboys’ owners were willing to take the risk.

Otherwise, they would have to agree to the 25-year-old’s demands, which some believe are in the $40 million range. Now, it seems that could be inevitable, as Stephen Jones confirmed to 103.5 The FAN.

We’ve had no one call with interest in George Pickens.

Stephen Jones said

This was the Cowboys CEO confirming to the radio show’s cast that they have not received any trade offers involving first-round picks for the mercurial wideout.

With such a revelation, it seems increasingly likely that George Pickens will probably stay on the coming 2026 season with the $27.298 million non-exclusive tag the Cowboys placed on him.

Stephen Jones and Cowboys could be open to draft-day trades

While George Pickens’ future continues to be a subject of debate, the Dallas Cowboys are moving on, focusing on the upcoming NFL Draft.

Almost everyone who follows or talks about America’s team knows that they need reinforcements on defense, with pass rush and defensive backs being their most pressing needs. Sure, they traded for Rashan Gary, but one player is not enough to compensate for the quarterback pressures Micah Parsons created on his own.

They need more, but are also aware that this draft is stocked with defensive players. That is why the cast of 103.5 The FAN asked Stephen Jones if the Cowboys were engaging in trades focused on the draft.

I think it’s too early to tell that. Next week, as people finalize their boards and start to strategize, have their strategy sessions… I’m still a big believer that most of these trades happen as you’re on the board.

Stephen Jones replied

The Cowboys’ Executive Vice President pointed out how teams will only move as and when they find that a situation needs them to do so. That is why trades ahead of the draft are not that likely.

It seems from Jones’ answer, it is clear that the Cowboys, armed with two first-round picks, will be looking to engage in trading up or down depending on what they see.

Cowboys are some defensive picks away from contending for a Super Bowl

Compared to the past, Stephen Jones has seen his father do a reasonably decent job building a top-tier offense, while also building the base for their defense.

Jerry Jones and his son Stephen Jones
Jerry Jones and his son Stephen Jones (Image via CBS Sports/X)

The latter group did not play to their abilities, which is why defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus was fired. Now, the conversations surrounding the unit are that they are a few picks away from matching the offense on sheer talent and skill.

An elite pass-rushing prospect, one or two impactful defensive backs, and the team should be proving that the work Jerry Jones put in over the past two seasons was not a fluke.

He truly had a vision, and despite all the backlash he received for trading away Micah Parsons, he might now stand and accept the praise for building a true Super Bowl contender.

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