Broncos Predicted to Trade for 22-TD All-Pro WR to Boost Bo Nix

Denver eyes blockbuster move for Cowboys' George Pickens amid contract tension

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Denver Broncos are reportedly eyeing a bold trade for All-Pro wide receiver George Pickens from the Dallas Cowboys. The move could significantly strengthen the supporting cast for young quarterback Bo Nix as the Broncos look to accelerate their rise. Pickens, a four-year veteran, has emerged as one of the league's most productive receivers, totaling 267 receptions for 4,270 yards and 22 touchdowns. However, his future in Dallas is uncertain due to the Cowboys' tight salary cap situation and strained relationship between Pickens' agent and team owner Jerry Jones.

Why it matters

Acquiring Pickens would give the Broncos a proven, explosive playmaker to complement Bo Nix, potentially elevating the young quarterback's development and the team's overall offensive firepower. The move could also shift the balance of power in the AFC, as the Broncos look to challenge the conference's elite teams.

The details

According to reports, the Broncos are predicted to trade a second-round pick to the Cowboys for Pickens and then sign him to a multi-year extension worth around $31 million per year. Pickens, who was traded to the Cowboys from the Pittsburgh Steelers in a prior deal, is coming off a career-best season in 2025, earning Second Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors after catching 93 passes for 1,429 yards and 9 touchdowns. However, his future in Dallas is uncertain due to the team's tight salary cap situation and a strained relationship between his agent and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.

  • Pickens was traded to the Cowboys prior to the 2025 season.
  • In 2025, Pickens caught 93 passes for 1,429 yards and 9 touchdowns, earning Second Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors.
  • As of February 12, 2026, the Cowboys were reported to be about $66.8 million over the salary cap.

The players

George Pickens

An All-Pro wide receiver who has spent the last four seasons with the Dallas Cowboys after being traded there from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pickens is one of the league's most productive young receivers, totaling 267 receptions for 4,270 yards and 22 touchdowns in his career.

Bo Nix

The young quarterback of the Denver Broncos, who the team is looking to bolster with the potential acquisition of Pickens to improve his supporting cast.

Jerry Jones

The owner of the Dallas Cowboys, who has a strained relationship with Pickens' agent, David Mulugheta, which could complicate the team's efforts to re-sign the wide receiver.

David Mulugheta

The agent for George Pickens, who has a strained relationship with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, further complicating the team's efforts to re-sign the wide receiver.

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What they’re saying

“Pickens wants to stay with the Cowboys, but he's not going to take less than market value. He's not going to cut them any deals.”

— Jeremy Fowler, ESPN insider (ESPN)

“There isn't a team currently paying 2 wide receivers over $30 million each. That doesn't mean there shouldn't be and that there won't be soon.”

— Louis Riddick, ESPN analyst (ESPN)

What’s next

If negotiations between Pickens and the Cowboys collapse, the predicted trade to the Broncos could quickly become a reality.

The takeaway

The potential acquisition of George Pickens would be a bold move by the Denver Broncos, giving young quarterback Bo Nix a proven, explosive target and potentially accelerating the team's rise in the AFC. However, the deal hinges on the Cowboys' ability to retain Pickens amid their tight salary cap situation and strained relationship with his agent.