The Dallas Cowboys might have to trade their top receiver just to fix a broken defense. This is not a small move. It is a massive shift in strategy that owner Jerry Jones must consider if the team drops to 3-6. The loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, Nov. 1, showed just how fragile the current roster really is. Dallas surrendered a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter and lost 33-30 in overtime. That collapse has teams calling with offers for George Pickens. The window to sell is open, but only for a short time.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz told The Pivot that league interest is real. “But the biggest name people around the league are really starting to get curious about is George Pickens in Dallas,” Schultz said. He observed that the receiver is competing under a one-year, $27.3 million franchise tag. Through eight games, Pickens has recorded 39 receptions, 533 yards, and two touchdowns. His production has dipped compared to last season, where he caught 93 passes for 1,429 yards. The Cowboys are not using him the same way they did before. This gap in usage makes him a prime target for teams that need a playmaker now.
Why Defense Could Be The Price
The front office has long said they plan to keep Pickens. Jones spoke during the NFL annual meetings in March. “about it, we have long-term plans in mind for Pickens,” Jones said. But the season has gone sideways. The defense is the bigger problem. Multiple teams have inquired with Schultz regarding whether Jones might utilize Pickens as a trade chip to boost the defense. A second-round pick could help fill the holes in the back seven.
Mike Florio on Yahoo Sports argued that a contender should call immediately. “If I’m a contender looking for a receiver, I’m calling the Cowboys about George Pickens,” Florio said. He believes Dallas should take a second-round pick and move on. “You have Ryan Flournoy, who isn’t George Pickens but good enough,” Florio added. This view suggests that the return on investment is not worth the cost of keeping a player who might leave in free agency next year. The Cowboys gave up a third-round pick to get him from Pittsburgh. Getting a second back would be a profit.
The Future Of The Roster
Trade talks are not just about money. They are about timing. The NFL trade deadline is November 10. If the Cowboys lose to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Nov. 8, the pressure will spike. A to Z Sports reported that the team says they do not plan to be sellers. Yet the phone calls are likely coming. The franchise tag makes Pickens expensive. Paying top dollar for two receivers is hard in the modern salary cap. Dallas must decide if they want to pay Pickens in 2027 or let him walk.
Jerome Miron of Sports Illustrated noted that the situation is getting tense. Schultz said, “I’m not saying it’s going to happen, but given where the Cowboys are right now and the demand, that is certainly a situation I’m watching.” The relationship between the player and the team is not smooth. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer criticized Pickens for poor run-blocking. The receiver left the field quickly after the loss to Arizona. These signs point to a split that could get louder.
Four Scenarios For A Deal
A to Z Sports ran a trade simulator to find fair offers. The tool assigns values to every draft pick and player. It found four realistic scenarios for a trade. One deal involves the Los Angeles Rams. They would send a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fourth-round pick. The Cowboys would get WR George Pickens and a 2028 fifth-round pick. Another scenario looks at teams desperate for a receiver who can stretch the field. The return would vary based on how much the buying team needs help.
The choice comes down to one question. Does Dallas want a star receiver for one more year, or do they want draft picks to rebuild the defense? The loss to the Cardinals showed that the defense is the weak link. If the team falls to 3-6, the answer might change fast. The clock is ticking toward the Nov. 10 deadline. Jones has to weigh the immediate need against the long-term plan.
