He’s the most polarizing guy in football. Honestly, he might be the most talented, too. George Pickens just finished a massive 2025 season where he basically carried the Dallas Cowboys passing game at times, racking up 1,429 yards and 9 touchdowns. But here we are in January 2026, and the Broncos George Pickens trade speculation is hitting a fever pitch again.
It feels like a glitch in the Matrix.
Didn't the Steelers already trade him? Yes. To Dallas. In May 2025. But in the NFL, "forever" usually lasts about as long as a Sean Payton press conference. With Pickens currently staring down a potential franchise tag in Dallas—a tag that would cost Jerry Jones over $28 million—rumors are swirling that Denver might try to swoop in and finish what they allegedly started sniffing around for last year.
The Pittsburgh Connection and the Move to Dallas
To understand why Denver is obsessed with this, you’ve gotta look at how he ended up in Texas. Back in 2025, the Steelers brought in DK Metcalf. Suddenly, Pickens was the "other" guy. He didn't like it. There were stories about him being late to a Christmas Day game against the Chiefs. There was the eye black incident. Pittsburgh eventually cut bait, sending him to the Cowboys for a 2026 third-round pick and some change.
Now, Dallas has a problem. They are cap-strapped. Like, "checking the couch cushions for nickels" cap-strapped. They have the least amount of projected cap space for 2026. While Jerry Jones says he can't envision Pickens playing anywhere else, the math is... ugly. That's where Sean Payton comes in.
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Why Sean Payton and the Broncos are Lurking
The Denver Broncos are in a weird spot. They have Courtland Sutton, but they lack a true "X" factor who can consistently win 1-on-1 on the outside. Troy Franklin and Pat Bryant have been fine, but they aren't George Pickens.
Basically, the Broncos need a predator.
Payton’s offense thrives when there is a vertical threat who can adjust to the ball in the air. Pickens isn't just a vertical threat; he’s a contested-catch vacuum. In 2025, he ranked 8th among all receivers in PFF receiving grade (87.2). He’s an All-Pro talent.
- The Bo Nix Factor: You have a young quarterback who is accurate but needs someone who can expand the strike zone.
- The Sutton Situation: Sutton is a veteran, but the Broncos could move on from him after 2026 with minimal cap pain.
- The "Diva" Risk: Payton has handled personalities before. He’s not afraid of a guy who gets loud as long as he produces.
Is a Trade Even Possible in 2026?
Here is where the Broncos George Pickens trade speculation gets complicated. Since Pickens is a free agent (pending that tag), a "trade" would likely have to be a sign-and-trade or a move involving Dallas tagging him and then shipping him off because they can't afford the long-term hit.
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Dallas is expected to use the $28.046 million franchise tag on him. If they do that, they’re basically holding him hostage for a better offer. Denver has the assets. They have their 2026 first-round pick (No. 21 overall) and some potential trade bait like left guard Ben Powers or even linebacker Jonathon Cooper if they want to get creative.
The Cost of Doing Business
If the Broncos want Pickens, they aren't getting him for a third-rounder like Dallas did. His value has exploded. You're looking at:
- A first-round pick (or a high second plus players).
- A contract extension worth roughly $31–$34 million per year.
- The "personality tax" (accepting the occasional sideline outburst).
What Most People Get Wrong About Pickens
People call him a "diva." It’s the easy label. But if you talk to guys in the Dallas locker room, like CeeDee Lamb, they love him. Lamb said recently that he has "the most confidence" they'll keep him. The "diva" stuff usually happens when the ball isn't coming his way.
In Denver, under Payton, the ball would come his way. A lot.
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The Broncos' offense was a "brick wall" on defense last year under Leonhard, but the offense still felt one piece away. They lacked the guy who makes the defensive coordinator stay up until 3:00 AM. Pickens is that guy.
The Reality Check
Look, moving a player who just made Second-team All-Pro is rare. Usually, teams find a way to make the money work. But the Cowboys are facing a legitimate financial crisis. They have CeeDee Lamb's massive extension and Dak Prescott's deal eating up the air in the room.
If Jerry Jones decides he can't fit a $130 million contract for Pickens into the books, Denver is the most logical "aggressive" suitor. Sean Payton is in "win-now" mode. He doesn't want to wait for a rookie receiver to develop. He wants the guy who can jump over two defenders right now.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Watch the Tag Window: If Dallas hasn't signed Pickens to a long-term deal by the start of the franchise tag period in February, the trade rumors will go from "speculation" to "imminent."
- Monitor the Broncos Cap Space: Denver needs to keep enough flexibility to absorb a massive Year 1 cap hit if they intend to extend him immediately.
- Keep an eye on Courtland Sutton: If Sutton’s name starts appearing in trade talks, it’s a signal that Denver is clearing a spot for a new WR1.
The Broncos George Pickens trade speculation isn't going away because it makes too much sense on grass. Whether the math works on paper is the only thing standing in the way of a blockbuster.
If you are a Broncos fan, start looking at Pickens' 2025 highlight reel. It might be your future. If you're a Cowboys fan, hope Jerry finds some more money in the couch.
Next Steps: You should check the updated NFL salary cap figures for 2026 to see exactly how much room Denver has to facilitate a massive extension for a top-tier wideout.