ESPN's Ben Solak Suggests Blockbuster George Pickens Trade

Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

ESPN's Ben Solak Suggests Blockbuster George Pickens Trade

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Oct 21, 2026 12:29 PM ET

Having fallen to 2-4 on the season, the Dallas Cowboys are in pretty rough shape as the NFL trade deadline approaches. But are things so bad that they might trade starting wide receiver George Pickens?

That’s what ESPN’s Ben Solak seems to believe. In a new feature for ESPN, Solak suggested that Pickens’ “effort level and focus seem to be waning again” and that the team will “struggle” to pay both Pickens and newly acquired cornerback Joey Porter Jr. next offseason. He suggested that Pickens might help either the Kansas City Chiefs or Los Angeles Rams and that those two teams should contact the Cowboys about the price of a trade.

“I might think… George Pickens is a trade candidate. His effort level and focus seem to be waning again, and the Cowboys will struggle to pay Pickens and cornerback Joey Porter Jr., whom they recently traded for. If the 2-4 Cowboys keep losing games, I’d call about Pickens on the franchise tag for the remainder of the season — we know he has game-breaking ability when he’s dialed in. Imagine Pickens in Los Angeles to help replace Davante Adams… or in Kansas City as Mahomes’ new downfield target? Exciting stuff,” Solak wrote.

SEVEN THINGS I THINK

I like the Colts giving Steichen the year
Matthew Stafford = 2022 Tom Brady?
Trading some Eagles
…yeah man let’s start McCarthy, why nothttps://t.co/pWH8CQpf8D
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) October 20, 2026

Pickens on the outs?

Through six games, Pickens has 33 receptions for 428 yards and one touchdown. This time last year he had 32 receptions for 525 yards and six touchdowns. So Pickens is getting the ball at around the same rate but not taking it down the field or into the endzone nearly as often.

Last year Pickens went on to have an All-Pro season and make the Pro Bowl after a career year with 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns – all career highs. He’s currently on pace for just over 900 yards and three touchdowns – not exactly the production for a player on the franchise tag.

Nov 17, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) reacts after making a catch against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.

Kansas City’s need for a star receiver might be a little less urgent given that they’re 5-0 on the season and have a top-five offense. Pickens could put them over the top.

As for the Rams, they are currently riding a roller coaster on both offense and defense. It’s hard to pinpoint whether Pickens would be a quick fix to what ails them.

The much bigger question is whether the Rams or Chiefs can even afford to bring him on board. The Rams are already without a first-round pick in next year’s draft due to their blockbuster Myles Garrett trade, while the Chiefs have all of their picks.

Will the Cowboys move Pickens before the trade deadline?

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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