Cowboys WR George Pickens’ Future Takes Dramatic Turn As Major Trade Update Emerges
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
The Dallas Cowboys have a big choice to make with George Pickens before the NFL trade deadline hits. For now, the team isn’t eager to trade the star wide receiver, but another tough loss could quickly change their minds.
Dallas has just one game left before Tuesday’s deadline. They take on the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, and the outcome could decide what they do in the final hours of the trade window. Sitting at 3-5, the Cowboys simply can’t drop many more games if they want to keep their playoff hopes on track.
NFL insider Tom Pelissero recently shared an update on Pickens’ situation.
He said, “The Cowboys are unlikely to trade George Pickens, though a loss to Indianapolis could cause Dallas to recalibrate its plans across the board.” Pelissero also pointed out, “He’s due $13.649 million for the final nine weeks of the season, which means executing a trade would likely require the teams to be creative financially.”
George Pickens’ Future In Dallas Remains Uncertain
Pickens entered the 2026 season after the best year of his NFL career. He recorded 93 catches for 1,429 yards last season and earned Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors. However, his numbers have dropped this year.
Through eight games, Pickens has 37 catches for 485 yards. He still ranks 14th among receivers in targets and 12th in total air yards. However, he has struggled to turn those opportunities into bigger performances.
His latest outing against the Arizona Cardinals did little to help his case. Pickens finished with just two catches for 48 yards in Dallas’ 33-30 overtime loss.
There have also been questions about his effort in the running game. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer addressed the issue last month and said Pickens “needs to understand that he impacts us in the running game as well.”
On top of that, Pickens is dealing with a hamstring issue heading into Sunday’s game, though offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer hopes he can suit up against Indianapolis.
His contract makes things even trickier. He signed a one-year, $27.3 million franchise tag in the spring after failing to land a long-term extension. He can test free agency after the season, and tagging him a second time would cost Dallas around $33 million.
For now, the Cowboys insist they aren’t trading him. Insiders Ian Rapoport and Nick Harris both reported the team isn’t even taking calls. Still, analysts like Mike Florio think a contending team should offer a second-round pick, while ESPN’s Ben Solak expects Dallas to lose Sunday and move him before Tuesday.
Pickens is still in Dallas for now, but a loss on Sunday could change everything.
