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There’s a reason why the Dallas Cowboys earned an A grade from ESPN's Mel Kiper for the NFL Draft selections.
It was no secret that Dallas needed to make significant defensive reinforcements, and the storied NFC franchise did just that by drafting instant impact contributors Caleb Downs (safety) and Malachi Lawrence in the first round.
Despite a successful trade, the Cowboys still face a challenging decision regarding their 25-year-old All-Pro receiver and breakout star. Although the former second-round pick could theoretically remain with the Cowboys after signing the franchise tag, CBS Sports’ Bryan DeArdo predicts he’ll get traded before the start of the new season.
“Dallas already said that Pickens will play under the franchise tag, which appears to be a recipe for disaster given his history of self-sabotage when things don't go his way,” DeArdo wrote Sunday.
“If the Cowboys want to avoid another drama-filled season, they would be better served either giving Pickens a long-term deal or trading him to a team that will.”
“The more realistic scenario appears to be the Cowboys trading Pickens, whose production during his first four seasons has largely been overshadowed by his antics.”
The Cowboys’ refusal to discuss a long-term deal with Pickens in 2026 should be music to the ears of franchises interested in trading for him. Essentially, Dallas’ stern offseason decision improves the odds that the organization will engage in trade talks centered on the former Pittsburgh Steelers wideout.
Although it’s unlikely the Cowboys are in a rush to move on from Pickens after his outstanding 93 reception, 1,429-yard, and nine-touchdown 2025-26 campaign in Dallas, there’s no reason to believe he's an untouchable asset moving forward.
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