The Las Vegas Raiders are being named as a potential landing spot for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens, as news broke on April 23, right before the 2026 NFL Draft, that the wideout is reportedly signing his franchise tag.
On April 23, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that Pickens is signing his franchise tag, and once he does, he can be traded at any time. With the timing coming right before the draft, it could mean that the Cowboys will be willing to listen to offers from teams for the wideout.
Moreover, ESPN’s Todd Archer followed up Schefter’s reporting, noting that Pickens has not signed the franchise tag tender. Nonetheless, Archer mentions that he will be signing it, but when is not yet known.
Meanwhile, ESPN NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky listed the likely landing spots for Pickens, and he included the Raiders.
“Chiefs, Ravens, Raiders, Patriots, [and] Washington,” Orlovsky wrote on X on April 23.
Last season with the Cowboys, Pickens posted an 85.9 overall PFF grade, 10th among 81 qualified wide receivers. His PFF receiving grade of 87.2 ranked 8th among 81 qualified wide receivers.
He hauled in 93 receptions on 131 targets for 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. Moreover, Pickens averaged 15.4 yards per reception on the season.
Pat McAfee Offers His Take on George Pickens Saga
ESPN’s Pat McAfee sees the Cowboys wideout getting paid elsewhere, but he didn’t state where that might be. Nonetheless, with teams like the Raiders lacking a No. 1 guy, there will be no shortage of suitors.
“He’ll get a deal before he gets signed or traded,” McAfee said on the April 22 edition of the “Pat McAfee Show.” “George Pickens’ bank account is about to be gigantic, and this news just kind of confirmed that for me, because now there’s an opportunity for there to be a little competition for him.
“I will tell you he is not playing under a tag. He’ll play football somewhere, and I think he’s going to get paid somewhere, probably if I had to guess.”
Raiders Urged to Make George Pickens Trade
When it comes to weapons, the Raiders have Ashton Jeanty on the ground, who can contribute in the passing game. Moreover, as far as pass-catchers, there’s Brock Bowers, who’s arguably one of the best tight ends.
Nonetheless, in free agency, the Silver and Black did pick up Jalen Nailor, who could be ready for a bigger role. Still, Las Vegas needs to find a WR1, and former wideout Chad Johnson has one in mind.
“One move I’ve talked about almost all season long: George Pickens, “ Johnson said in a video posted by “Inside the NFL “ on Feb. 12. “I would love for George Pickens to have a move. A lot of Dallas Cowboys fans are somewhat delusional and also selfish, wanting to keep George Pickens there when you already have CeeDee Lamb.
“Listen, coming from a great offense, you saw a small sample size of what George Pickens could do, but he needs to be a No. 1 on his own team, and also maximize his value while he can get it now.
“Don’t give Dallas a discount. They’re going to use certain things against you and diminish your value. Allow him to go to the Las Vegas Raiders, new coach Klint Kubiak, [Fernando] Mendoza getting drafted, going to be No. 1.”
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