Jerry Jones said it’s in George Pickens best interest to sign tag. Dallas Cowboys have no interest in trade

For those who are wondering, the Dallas Cowboys have no intention of trading receiver George Pickens and continue to maintain they want him in Dallas for the long haul.

Those are the words of vice president Stephen Jones and owner Jerry Jones following Pickens’ shocking decision to sign the franchise tag of $27.3 million, months before the July 15 deadline.

That he did it just before the start of the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday led to wide speculation that the team might trade him.

It was understandable considering that Stephen Jones revealed one day earlier that the Cowboys had no interest in signing Pickens to a long-term contract as he desired and were not going to negotiate with him at all.

It was their intention for him to play in 2026 on the franchise tag, partly because they were already paying receiver CeeDee Lamb at the top of the market and partly because they wanted Pickens to prove himself again.

Although he had an All-Pro season with the Cowboys in 2025, he came to Dallas in a trade following the 2025 draft amid maturity concerns following his first three disappointing seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Stephen Jones said he was surprised Pickens announced his intention to sign the tag.

But he also made it clear the team has no plans to trade him.

“We have no intention of moving George,” Stephen Jones said. “We’re fired up about him signing his [tag], because it means he’s ready to come in here and get to work. . . . We have zero intention of moving [him].”

Stephen Jones said that when Pickens signs the tag they expect him to show up for the mandatory mini camp and training camp. Coach Brian Scottenheimer hopes Pickens participates in the Cowboys offseason program, which begins Monday.

Owner Jones took it at a step further.

He said it’s in Pickens best interest to sign the tag and stay with quarterback Dak Prescott.

“It doesn’t surprise me,” Jerry Jones said of Pickens wanting to sign the tag. “I’m glad he did. Based on what’s his his best interest, it doesn’t surprise me at all. We’re just doing this early. It’s in his best interest for the rest of his life to come in here and have the greatest season with Dak Prescott and pick up $27 million on his way on the side. Go out there and set himself up.

“We were fortunate to get him for a [third-round pick last year]. Why? Y’all answer that. He comes in there and there’s circumstances. You come in here, play your butt off and build for next year.”

Jerry Jones made it clear that the Cowboys want Pickens beyond 2026.

And while there were questions regarding his character in Pittsburgh, he’s well liked in Dallas.

“We really like him and I’m telling you right now, we can live with two big time receivers,” Jerry Jones said. “It’s hard. But we can live with two big time receivers for the long haul.”

Do you believe them?

Does Pickens believe them?