New Cowboys Rumors Reveal George Pickens' Trade Market Prior to 2026 NFL Deadline

Before Tuesday's NFL trade deadline, many had wondered whether the Dallas Cowboys would move star wide receiver George Pickens, who is on an expiring contract.

However, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that the Cowboys "did not receive any trade calls" for Pickens, who is "happy in Dallas and didn't want to be traded."

Pickens is playing out the 2026 campaign on a one-year deal after receiving the franchise tag over the offseason. He hasn't been able to match the production of his breakout 2025 season, but he's been a solid No. 2 receiver for Dallas with 39 catches for 533 yards and two touchdowns in eight games.

At 4-5, the Cowboys are struggling to maintain their position in the playoff hunt, so it would've been understandable if they tried to recoup assets by trading a coveted player like Pickens. Still, Fowler went on to note that teams looking for receivers weren't interested in paying a premium price.

"Teams in the receiver market weren't shopping in the high-end aisle, either, so the idea of a Pickens trade was a nonstarter," Fowler explained. "Plus, Dallas had no plans to deal him."

Pickens is currently dealing with shoulder and hamstring injuries, and he's considered questionable for the Cowboys' matchup against the San Francisco 49ers (7-1) on Sunday.