The Kansas City Chiefs are perilously thin at wide receiver, which the franchise could try to address with a blockbuster trade offer for Dallas Cowboys star George Pickens.
Pickens is unhappy that the team slapped him with the franchise tag, which pays the wideout $27.3 million in 2026, instead of inking him to a longterm contract. The Cowboys have been consistent in their position that they don’t intend to trade Pickens, but the right offer might change the minds of the notoriously mercurial Jones family that owns the franchise.
Mina Kimes and Bill Barnwell discussed the possibility of such a deal, and what it might take in terms of an asset package heading into the lauded 2027 NFL draft.
“If you’re [Chiefs GM] Brett Veach, would you consider trading a 2027 second for George Pickens?” Kimes asked Barnwell.
“I would not, because I don’t know if Patrick Mahomes is actually gonna be healthy,” Barnwell said. “And if you’re already playing with one hand behind your back for a quarter of the year, for one year of George Pickens I would not do it.”
Patrick Mahomes is battling through an ACL tear that he suffered in Week 15 of last year and could return as early as Week 1. Reports coming out of Kansas City all indicate that the two-time MVP is attacking his rehabilitation maniacally and is shooting to be in the starting lineup for the season opener.
If he isn’t, 53-game starter Justin Fields will assume the role of QB1 until Mahomes is ready to return. Kansas City brought Fields in to ensure the team would be competitive to start the campaign even if Mahomes is unable to return immediately.
That concept, in some ways, runs contradictory to the logic Barnwell employed in his analysis of a potential Pickens deal when he argued it isn’t worth it if Pickens is catching passes from Fields for a month, give or take.
It also probably would not make sense for the Chiefs to make a deal for the Cowboys WR if Kansas City isn’t interested/willing to extend Pickens on a longterm deal.
Spotrac projects Pickens’ market value is $122.5 million over a new four-year contract. He will play next season at 25 years old.
Pickens was the Cowboys’ best wide receiver last year, putting up 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine scores, all of which were career highs. Dallas traded a third-round pick and a fifth-rounder to the Pittsburgh Steelers for Pickens and a sixth-rounder last offseason. Pittsburgh selected Pickens in the second round out of Georgia in 2022.
Should the Chiefs trade for Pickens and extend him, he could potentially prove the top target in the pass game for the second half of Mahomes’ career.
Given how well Pickens played in 2025, a first-round pick seems more appropriate than the second-rounder Kimes mentioned in her hypothetical offer. However, the 2027 draft is reputed to be strong across several positions, which could impact multiple possible trades over the next year.
In the end, any conversation about moving Pickens hinges on Kansas City’s willingness to absorb the wideout’s current franchise-tag number while committing to the kind of extension that would make him a cornerstone of the offense. With Mahomes’ health timeline still carrying uncertainty and a loaded 2027 draft class looming, the calculus for both sides remains as complex as it is compelling.
Dallas, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys have made a blockbuster addition to their staff, welcoming one of the modern era’s most legendary defensive figures. Clay Matthews, whose career was defined by relentless aggression, leadership, and elite football intelligence, is officially joining America’s Team as a Defensive Tactical Advisor. This appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the Cowboys’ defense, bridging decades of on-field excellence with the next generation of defenders. Selected in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft, Matthews quickly became a dominant force in the league, renowned for his speed and instinctive play recognition. He earned multiple Pro Bowl selections, an All-Pro honor, and a Super Bowl championship, cementing his legacy as one of the most feared edge rushers of his era. Matthews’ career left a lasting impact through his toughness, discipline, and situational football awareness, traits he now brings to Dallas in a mentorship capacity. In his new advisory role, Matthews will work closely with the Cowboys’ defensive staff, analyzing opponent tendencies and refining defensive schemes weekly. He will also mentor a highly talented young core of linebackers and edge rushers, instilling the knowledge gained from years of high-pressure competition. Matthews’ firsthand experience in playoff and Super Bowl games gives him unique insight into executing under pressure, benefiting the Cowboys’ preparation. The Cowboys’ defense is currently undergoing a strategic evolution under coordinator Mike Zimmer, focusing on versatility, intelligence, and strict discipline. Matthews’ presence adds immediate credibility to the staff, inspires younger players, and reinforces the team’s commitment to defensive dominance. His appointment reflects a broader NFL trend of hiring former elite players into advisory roles that emphasize strategy, leadership, and player development. Though Matthews will no longer make game-changing sacks on Sundays, his strategic vision and deep understanding of the game will shape defensive execution. Through film study and tactical guidance, he will directly impact both in-game adjustments and offseason training programs. For Cowboys fans, this announcement offers a thrilling glimpse into the team’s future and a connection to one of football’s fiercest defenders. Matthews brings a wealth of knowledge, a culture of accountability, and leadership that can accelerate the growth of young defensive talent. His mentorship promises to strengthen the locker room culture and enhance the team’s approach to high-stakes situations. The appointment underscores the importance of football intelligence and experience, showing that raw talent alone is not enough to sustain a dominant defense. As the Cowboys head into the new season, Matthews’ role signals a commitment to balancing strategy, preparation, and execution at the highest level. Ultimately, the legacy of one of the game’s greatest defenders will now guide the Cowboys’ defense, ensuring that past excellence informs the team’s future success.
