George Pickens, A.J. Brown, Brandon Aiyuk: Huge WR decisions loom post-draft

There are a handful of unresolved personnel matters that will probably dominate the headlines over the coming weeks, many of which involve star wideouts.

Here's the wide receiver version of the offseason's biggest loose ends.

George Pickens: trade him or pay him

The Cowboys' plan is for Pickens to play on the franchise tag.

Whether that's Pickens' plan remains to be seen.

Pickens has a short fuse when he feels disrespected. A franchise tag doesn't exactly scream appreciation.

Adam Schefter was blunt about the outcome. This ends with Pickens leaving Dallas.

Of course, the Cowboys didn't find a successor for Pickens, having waited until pick No. 218 to draft former East Carolina wideout Anthony Smith. But he's not a lock to make the roster, let alone become a big part of the offense.

Despite Jones' assertion that they have "no intention of moving George," and offensive coordinator Brian Shottenheimer's statement that "We have plans for G.P. to be here for a long time," don't rule out a trade.

My take on how the Pickens saga ends

Pickens puts his ego aside and stays put in Dallas on the tag. It's a prolific passing offense, and he clearly loves getting the ball plenty.

It helps that he's also getting plenty of love from the front office.

A.J. Brown is Patriots-bound post-June 1

Philadelphia drafting Makai Lemon 20th overall wasn't subtle. They're clearly planning for life post-Brown.

Cap rules are the reason for the delay. Trades after June 1 let teams split the hit between 2026 and 2027. Before that date, the full cap charge lands in one year.

The Patriots are the expected destination. Expect the deal around or after June 1, barring something unexpected.

Even after bringing in former Packer Romeo Doubs on a four-year, $68 million deal to offset the loss of Stefon Diggs, Brown would still be the best player in the Patriots' young WR room.

My take on what happens with Brown

I'd be shocked if Brown isn't donning a Patriots' jersey by mid-June at the latest.

Drake Maye must be excited at the prospect. Head coach Mike Vrabel would be, but he's a little busy with other priorities right now...

Brandon Aiyuk's 49ers exit is inevitable

49ers' GM John Lynch has made it abundantly clear that he wants to trade wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.

His days in San Francisco are numbered. A release is a real possibility, and interested teams know it. Wait long enough, and you might get him for nothing. Why give up draft capital when that's on the table?

My take on where Aiyuk goes

Washington makes a lot of sense. Aiyuk and Jayden Daniels were college teammates.

The Commanders added former Clemson wideout Antonio Williams in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, but Aiyuk is a different level of player entirely.

If not Washington, perhaps the Raiders make a play.