Cowboys Downplay Trade Interest in WR George Pickens

Dallas co-owner Stephen Jones' comments raise eyebrows ahead of NFL Draft

Apr. 14, 2026 at 7:18pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football game or match, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape, conveying the complex dynamics at play in the Cowboys' handling of the Pickens situation.The Cowboys' public comments about Pickens' trade value add an unnecessary layer of complexity to the team's contract negotiations.Pickens Today

Dallas Cowboys co-owner Stephen Jones was asked about potential trade interest for star wide receiver George Pickens ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. Instead of declining to comment, Jones suggested the Cowboys have not received any first-round pick offers for Pickens, a move that some view as an attempt to negotiate through the media and drive down Pickens' price tag.

Why it matters

The Cowboys have a history of making questionable public comments about players they are negotiating with, which can often create unnecessary tension and awkwardness. As Pickens prepares to play under the franchise tag in 2026, how the Cowboys handle these contract discussions could impact their relationship with the talented young receiver.

The details

During an interview on 105.3 The Fan, Jones was asked if the Cowboys had received any calls with first-round pick offers for Pickens. Rather than declining to comment, Jones stated: "You hate to get into things like that but no, we have had no one call with interest in George Pickens." This response has been interpreted by some as an attempt by the Cowboys to signal to other teams that Pickens' trade value is not as high as the player and his representatives may believe.

  • The interview with Jones took place on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

The players

Stephen Jones

Dallas Cowboys co-owner who made the controversial comments about George Pickens.

George Pickens

Star wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys who is set to play under the franchise tag in 2026.

Kevin Hageland

Host of the 105.3 The Fan radio show who asked Jones about potential trade interest in Pickens.

Mike Garafolo

NFL Network reporter who has questioned the validity of Jones' claim that the Cowboys have not received any trade interest in Pickens.

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What they’re saying

“You hate to get into things like that but no, we have had no one call with interest in George Pickens.”

— Stephen Jones, Dallas Cowboys Co-Owner

What’s next

The Cowboys and Pickens will continue contract negotiations ahead of the 2026 NFL season, with the team's handling of these discussions likely to be closely watched by the media and fans.

The takeaway

The Cowboys' tendency to make questionable public comments about players they are negotiating with has created unnecessary tension in the past. As they work to sign Pickens to a long-term deal, the team would be wise to take a more measured approach and avoid any further attempts to negotiate through the media.