One of the major stars in the NFL could be set to leave in free agency this upcoming offseason, and that name is wide receiver George Pickens. According to Bleacher Report, the belief is that the wideout could leave to join another team if the Dallas Cowboys don’t franchise tag him. However, it’s hard to imagine that Pickens would accept a tag, which could complicate some things regarding his future in Dallas. Unfortunately, it will be up to the Cowboys to decide if he did enough to earn a long-term contract.
The good news is that Jerry Jones explicitly said that he doesn’t envision Pickens joining another roster. He said the same thing about former Cowboy Micah Parsons, which led to a shocking trade to the Green Bay Packers. While the Cowboys will look to be active this upcoming free agency, the main storyline for Dallas this offseason will be whether they can retain Pickens.
Top Landing Spots for Blockbuster Pending NFL Free Agent George Pickens
Assuming that everyone goes wrong in Dallas, the wide receiver should have plenty of suitors. After hauling in 88 receptions for 1,342 receiving yards on nine touchdowns, the star has done enough to compensate for a true monster contract. He has positioned himself in the best spot possible to earn a deal that would secure a future as a part of an offense that would need a No. 1 receiver.
This situation could become messy, similar to classic Cowboy contract sagas, such as Dak Prescott’s deal and CeeDee Lamb’s, so it shouldn’t be surprising if it reaches that point. Jerry will be Jerry, and if you’re a Cowboys fan, it shouldn’t be anything new.
Possible Next Teams
Baltimore Ravens
While this destination seems realistic, the Baltimore Ravens would need to figure out how to pay Rashod Bateman and Zay Flowers in the future. However, it is doable, which means that the Ravens could look into signing Pickens on at least a three-year deal. Lamar Jackson continues to set record highs in passing yards while evolving himself as a true top 3 quarterback under offensive coordinator Todd Monken.
Unfortunately, Jackson has taken a step back due to injuries and inconsistency issues when he returned. The quarterback could use another dynamic receiver to strengthen this offensive roster since the former MVP knows how to use his legs to find his man in the right situation.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have a promising future on offense, but they need some upgrades this upcoming offseason to continue developing Bryce Young to his full potential. Tetairoa McMillan has established himself as a true No. 1 slot receiver alongside Jalen Coker. The only thing stopping them is Xavier Legette, who has had his fair share of inconsistencies. Pickens is the obvious upgrade in this moment and would turn Young into a true top signal-caller.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers have done phenomenally well on the ground despite losing Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris for the majority of the 2025 campaign. However, there is still a major hole in their receiver room. The team drafted Tre Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith to add some relief, but they can’t compensate for their upcoming postseason appearance since the two don’t have experience. With Keenan Allen getting old and Ladd McConkey needing another versatile weapon to help him down the field, the Chargers should sign Pickens to a long-term contract as the true No. 1 deep threat for Justin Herbert’s offense.