ESPN analyst suggests Cowboys could sell George Pickens ahead of trade deadline

Questions about the future of Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens beyond the ongoing season have hovered over the organization since even before he signed his franchise tender earlier this year. 

The Cowboys have since opened the campaign at 2-4, and Pickens' demeanor during games has become a hot topic on local sports-talk programs. For a piece published on Tuesday, ESPN's Ben Solak explained why he thinks the Cowboys could at least take calls about Pickens' availability before the NFL trade deadline arrives on Nov. 10.

Could an advertised contender view George Pickens as a short-term rental?

"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," Solak wrote. "If the 2-4 Cowboys keep losing games, I'd call Pickens on the franchise tag for the remainder of the season." 

As Solak referenced, Porter made it known he would bet on himself and play for the Cowboys on the final season of his existing contract after Dallas acquired him from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Meanwhile, Pickens recorded 33 receptions for 428 yards and a single touchdown over the first six weeks of the 2026 campaign. To compare, he tallied 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine scores last season. 

While speaking with reporters on Monday, Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said that he needs to do a better job of moving Pickens "around" in formation more.