The timing of Pickens signing is interesting, as it opens up trade options from now, the start of the draft, through the middle of the trade deadline and could affect Dallas’ draft picks.
Stephen Jones said Wednesday the team is open to drafting a wide receiver this week regardless of Pickens’ availability or future with the club.
“Certainly, you’re always looking at it,” Jones said of potentially selecting a receiver in the 2026 draft. “It’s just like we did when we took CeeDee Lamb. We had some really good receivers on this team, but we took him.”
“We’re certainly not against taking the best player on our board. That’s usually where we’ve had the best results is doing that.”
Jones added that the Cowboys are “fired up” to have Pickens on the roster, even if it’s on a one-year deal, which Dallas is used to.
“It’s certainly not a first for this organization and certainly won’t be a first in the league in terms of this decision as we move forward,” Jones said. “Whether it’s Dak Prescott, who was flagged for the second time, whether it’s D-Law (demarcus Lawrence), whether it’s (running back) Tony Pollard, we’ve certainly been in those situations.”
Pickens is coming off a career year in Dallas, catching 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns in 2025, earning his first Pro Bowl and second team All-Pro honors.