FRISCO, Texas — The phone lines in Frisco are completely dead. Despite placing the $27.3 million non-exclusive franchise tag on star receiver George Pickens, the Dallas Cowboys have not fielded a single trade offer. Dallas COO Stephen Jones confirmed the silent treatment on Tuesday.
The Dead Phone Lines in Frisco
Pickens ripped defenses apart in 2025, hauling in 93 catches for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns. The Cowboys traded for him expecting a massive return on investment, and he delivered on the field. Anyone standing near the sidelines during the Cowboys’ playoff push last January could almost feel the electricity in the air every time Pickens lined up out wide. He dictates defensive coverages on every single snap.
Yet, Stephen Jones flatly stated on 105.3 The Fan that nobody has dialed his number regarding a blockbuster trade. Why the radio silence? Opposing teams fear the massive asking price. Trading for the star wideout would likely require sacrificing at least a first-round pick, plus absorbing a massive long-term contract extension. The silence creates leverage for Dallas, but it also leaves Pickens holding the bag until the July 15 extension deadline.
Dak Steps In
Prescott’s advice carries heavy weight right now. The veteran quarterback understands the intense mental strain of negotiating with Jerry Jones while trying to maintain locker room focus. He sees a younger version of himself in Pickens—a guy who just wants to catch footballs but finds himself caught in a multi-million dollar corporate standoff.
What’s Next for the Dallas Offense
Dallas holds the cards for the moment. The Cowboys kick off voluntary off-season workouts starting April 20, and Pickens is not expected to attend without a signed deal. Skipping spring camps means little to his regular-season production. However, if this standoff bleeds into late July, the lack of reps could stall an offense built heavily around his connection with Prescott.
Opposing defenses are watching closely. If the Cowboys stumble out of the gate in September because their most explosive weapon spent training camp on the couch, the entire NFC East race shifts. The Dallas front office must execute a long-term agreement soon, or risk alienating a player they desperately need for a deep January run.
