There is a confounding question, as all sorts of contradictory information is flying around about the Dallas Cowboys receiver who may or may not be signing a franchise tender and may or may not be traded.
Meanwhile, Dallas probably didn’t move the needle with three free-agent signings, though two are at receiver, so are they preparing for life after Pickens? Let’s see.
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George Pickens has not yet signed the franchise tag tender with the Cowboys.
The news on George Pickens is confusing, but after reports he was set to sign the franchise tag during the NFL draft, reports are now that in fact he has not signed the contract.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Todd Archer have both reported this, and then Schefter went on The Pat McAfee Show and said this: “George Pickens wants a long-term contract, or he would like a trade. The Cowboys have been very clear that they aren't gonna give him a long-term contract.”
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Don’t go looking for that McAfee Show link. It’s been deleted. (?)
Dallas signed free agent receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling to a one-year deal. Valdez-Scantling, 31, appeared in five games each for San Francisco and Pittsburgh last year, catching four passes for 40 yards for the 49ers and 10 catches for 80 yards with a touchdown for the Steelers.
If you need some good news, there’s this: ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler tweeted: “Last week, the Cowboys received verbal commitment via email from George Pickens’ agents that the star receiver is signing his franchise tag. He has yet to sign the tender, as @toddarcher reported.”
But this inevitably ends with a trade rumor and CBS Sports’ Bryan DeArdo has one.
He writes: “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. 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.
”Prior to the draft, CBS Sports' Garrett Podell listed five possible landing spots for Pickens. If the Cowboys were actually serious about trading Pickens, they'd probably have a host of suitors that would likely be willing to give Dallas considerable draft capital and a productive receiver in return.
”The Cowboys would have options if they were actually compelled to trade Pickens, but the reality is that Dallas will likely sign up for another roller coaster season with their embattled receiver.”
Note: “Embattled Pickens” was largely absent last season in Dallas when he mostly stuck to the script.
Last week, the Cowboys received verbal commitment via email from George Pickens’ agents that the star receiver is signing his franchise tag. He has yet to sign the tender, as @toddarcher reported. Dallas still has no plans to trade him.
The Dallas Cowboys added a second veteran receiver Monday when they signed Tyler Johnson, along with linebacker Curtis Robinson. (Marquez Valdes-Scantling was the other veteran receiver.)
The 27-year-old Johnson played in 12 games for the New York Jets last year after a promotion from the practice squad, started five, and made 12 catches for 197 yards and a touchdown in 2025.
The 27-year-old Robinson, who arrives from the San Francisco 49ers at the position of biggest need, had 42 tackles in his fifth year in the league and the first one where he played significantly.