Cowboys' George Pickens 'doesn't want to be moved' ahead of trade deadline amid whispers about 'frustration'

A Wednesday report revealed that teams were "wondering if" the Dallas Cowboys could make wide receiver George Pickens available before the NFL trade deadline arrives at 4:00 p.m. ET on Nov. 10.

Pickens is set to reach free agency in March 2027 after his rights for 2026 were retained via the franchise tag. 

NFL insider Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk is among those who have suggested that a feeling of "frustration" could cause Pickens to ask for a trade this week, especially if the 25-year-old thinks the Cowboys are trying to keep him from having "a big year" to decrease his value. It sounds like Pickens isn't as upset with his situation as Florio may think. 

George Pickens "content in Dallas" despite whispers about "frustration"

"Pickens' name has circulated as a potential trade target in recent weeks as a result of Dallas' 3-5 record, his 2027 free agency and the difficulty of keeping two high-profile receivers on the books," ESPN's Jeremy Fowler wrote for an article updated on Wednesday. "Pickens had four targets in Sunday's loss to [the Arizona Cardinals], fewer than backup tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford. But I've also been told Pickens remains content in Dallas and doesn't want to be moved, nor does Dallas plan to trade him."

Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones raised some eyebrows when he said on Tuesday that Pickens "needs the ball coming his way more" during games. Over Dallas' first eight contests of the ongoing campaign, Pickens recorded 39 receptions for 533 yards and two touchdowns. To compare, he finished Week 18 of the 2025 season with 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine scores. 

Previously, Jones hinted that he could afford to keep Pickens, fellow receiver CeeDee Lamb and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. beyond this season. Lamb signed a four-year, $136M deal in August 2024, while Porter bet on himself and is playing for the Cowboys in the final season of his existing contract after Dallas acquired him from the Pittsburgh Steelers in late September.

Jerry Jones is ready to wait until the winter to make major roster decisions

"Yes, Dallas faces major decisions on the futures of Pickens and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. -- only one player per team can be franchise-tagged -- but it will sort through that in the offseason," Fowler added. "Pickens, despite a decrease in production from a year ago, still draws heavy coverage as a vertical threat and should eventually be in line for a deal in the Zay Flowers or Drake London range (around $35M per year)."

It remains to be seen whether or not the Cowboys will give Pickens such a deal. That said, it appears that he will continue calling Dallas home for the foreseeable future.