Cowboys, Pickens Headed for Divorce?

Cowboys Set to Move on from George Pickens

The Dallas Cowboys are making a bold move, announcing they plan to have wide receiver George Pickens play under the franchise tag this season and will not pursue a long-term contract. Pickens has not yet signed the one-year deal worth $27.3 million. There are no financial penalties if he skips mandatory mini-camp in June.

Stephen Jones, the Cowboys’ executive vice president, explained the tough financial reality. “It’s not easy…

Having two receivers being paid top of the market, that’s a stretch, especially when you have other great players on your team,” Jones stated. He also noted that Pickens is still relatively new to the team, having been acquired for a third-round pick, and has exceeded expectations.

A “Divorce” Looms, Says Analyst

Analyst Dan Orlovsky believes this situation points directly to a breakup between the Cowboys and Pickens. “No doubt,” Orlovsky declared when asked if the two sides are heading for a divorce. He highlighted Jones’s comment about the difficulty of paying two receivers top dollar, especially with CeeDee Lamb set to make $46.2 million in 2027.

Orlovsky suggested that if a top receiver prospect like Jordan Tyson or Carnell Tate falls to the Cowboys at pick number 12 in the upcoming draft, Dallas might select one of them. This move would then signal the start of shopping Pickens, who was originally acquired for a third-round pick. Orlovsky believes the Cowboys should aim for a second-round pick in return if they trade Pickens after drafting a receiver.

Trade Market Buzz

If the Cowboys do take a receiver at pick 12, Orlovsky thinks teams like the Raiders, Chiefs, Ravens, and Patriots should immediately contact Dallas about acquiring Pickens. He stated, “I don’t see how both C.D. Lamb and George Pickens are Cowboys in the future.” He also mentioned that teams would need to consider Pickens signing his franchise tag before a trade could be finalized.

Michael Irvin questioned the strategy of announcing a potential divorce while still franchising the player. “If you’re going to essentially announce a divorce, why are you signing into the franchise tag?” Irvin asked. He predicted the situation will become messy with constant back-and-forth comments from both sides throughout the season.

Expected Outcome and Future Implications

Another analyst felt the situation was predictable. “If you’re George Pickens and his agent, you should have known this was going to happen,” they commented.

The Cowboys have a history of franchising players, forcing them to play on one-year deals. The team simply cannot afford to pay two receivers over $100 million in guaranteed money.

The analyst predicted Pickens will not be a Cowboy long-term, even if they don’t draft a receiver high. They pointed to Pickens’ past displays of frustration and outspokenness when unhappy, suggesting this behavior won’t work in Dallas. “This marriage is done,” they concluded.

Cowboys’ Draft Strategy and Pickens’ Future

The Cowboys hold picks 12 and 20 in the upcoming draft, and their primary need is defense. However, if their top defensive targets are gone, they might consider a receiver like Jordan Tyson at pick 12. This decision would further fuel speculation about Pickens’ departure.

Stephen Jones reiterated that franchising Pickens is the right move for the team, allowing them to see another year of his performance. He noted concerns about Pickens’ focus and inconsistency, which were factors in him being available for a third-round pick. With CeeDee Lamb’s large future contract, the Cowboys are positioning themselves for maximum flexibility.

Dream Scenario for Dallas

The dream scenario for the Cowboys, according to Orlovsky, would be to draft Jordan Tyson at pick 12 and then trade George Pickens to the Kansas City Chiefs for their 29th overall pick. He acknowledged this might be unrealistic given the need for Pickens to sign the tag, but he sees a clear path for Dallas to move on from Pickens if they draft a receiver.

Orlovsky stressed that any team needing a receiver, especially the Chiefs, Raiders, Patriots, or Ravens, should be calling Dallas about Pickens. He believes Pickens joining the Chiefs would be a “home run” for Patrick Mahomes and the team’s offense.

The NFL Draft is scheduled to begin tonight, with the Cowboys on the clock at pick number 12.

Source: Dan Orlovsky believes the Cowboys and George Pickens are heading for a divorce 👀 | Get Up (YouTube)