Dallas shelled out a cool $27.298 million on a one-year franchise tag for wide receiver George Pickens for the 2026 NFL season, and let me tell you, it’s not looking like a wise investment. Pickens, who’s still a pending 2027 NFL free agent, had an absolute breakout year in 2025 after coming over from Pittsburgh, racking up 93 catches for 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. But this season? Oh man, it’s a completely different story.
Pickens’ Production Plummets, Dallas Left Holding the Bag
Through the first eight games of 2026, Pickens has only managed 39 catches for 533 yards and a meager two touchdowns. While he’s on pace for 83 catches, 1,133 yards, and four touchdowns, which is still a decent stat line, it’s nowhere near the monster numbers that warrant a long-term deal close to what CeeDee Lamb pulls in, averaging $36 million per season. With Pickens likely hitting free agency next March if he’s not tagged again, rumors are flying about a potential trade before the deadline. So, who’s ready to scoop up what Dallas is ready to let go?
Falcons Eyeing a Deadline Steal; Dolphins and Rams Playing the Long Game
The Atlanta Falcons are in the driver’s seat if they want to make a move for Pickens before the November 10 in-season trade deadline next Tuesday. They’ve got a ton of cap space, which means paying the rest of Pickens’ 2026 salary is no sweat. Plus, they desperately need another downfield weapon to complement Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Bijan Robinson. Third-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is showing some promising signs, and at 3-5, the Falcons are still surprisingly in playoff contention in a soft NFC South against the Panthers, Buccaneers, and Saints. Pickens could be the missing piece to get them over the hump, and Atlanta has the future cap space to offer him a long-term deal north of $30 million per season.
Meanwhile, other teams are keeping a close watch. The Miami Dolphins probably won’t be big buyers at the trade deadline, but they’re definitely interested in snatching Pickens in free agency. They’d likely only give up a second-round draft pick for a trade, but with no compensation needed in free agency, he makes a lot of sense for them. They’re looking for a No. 1 receiver to pair with a young franchise quarterback they might grab in the first round, especially with Malik Willis at QB and none of their current young receivers profiling like a true top option.
Over on the West Coast, the Los Angeles Rams are facing their own receiver conundrum. Davante Adams, who turns 34 in December, is breaking down and sidelined for up to three months with a hamstring injury. Adams is a pending free agent, and the Rams can get out of his contract next year. Quarterback Matthew Stafford, likely returning for another season, would need a big playmaker to pair with Puka Nacua, and Pickens could be that guy.
The clock is ticking for Dallas to decide whether to cut their losses now or let Pickens walk for nothing in March. The November 10 trade deadline is just days away, and it’s going to be wild to see if anyone makes the move.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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