Adam Schefter says Dallas Cowboys could try to replace George Pickens with their pick in NFL draft

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The Dallas Cowboys could enter the 2026 NFL Draft already planning for life beyond George Pickens, and that possibility is being driven by one clear reality.

Pickens is still one of the most productive receivers on the roster, but his contract situation has created uncertainty that teams rarely ignore at this stage of the cycle.

That is why the draft is now being viewed as more than just roster building for Dallas. It could also be about contingency planning.

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Adam Schefter highlights George Pickens uncertainty

The situation was laid out bluntly during ESPN’s Get Up, where Adam Schefter explained just how far apart both sides currently are.

“They’re nowhere with George Pickens right now, Nowhere with George Pickens. They are not really talking about an extension, they’re not close to an extension, they’re not getting a deal done at this point in time,” Schefter said.

“He’s on the franchise tag. That situation is just sitting out there,” he added.

Dallas has already made it clear internally that Pickens will play 2026 on the franchise tag, with no urgency to complete a long-term deal.

The gap is not just financial, but structural, with the Cowboys already committed to paying CeeDee Lamb at the top of the market.