Cowboys Leaders Push Back on Pickens Trade Talk

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and receiver CeeDee Lamb rejected talk of trading George Pickens ahead of the NFL deadline on November 10. Pickens is playing the 2026 season on the franchise tag and could become eligible for an extension in the 2027 offseason.

Prescott praised Pickens as a teammate who does what the coaches ask, while Lamb credited him with helping Lamb’s own strong start. Lamb has 60 catches for 709 yards and six touchdowns; Pickens has 39 catches for 533 yards and two touchdowns this season.

Pickens’ role has drawn attention after coach Brian Schottenheimer criticized him following Dallas’ 23-13 loss at Green Bay. Since Week 7, Pickens has played 79 offensive snaps, compared with 106 for Lamb and 98 for Ryan Flournoy. In that span, Pickens has eight targets, while Flournoy has 10. The team has cited Pickens’ hamstring and shoulder injuries as factors in his reduced playing time; entering Week 9, he was listed with a hamstring injury.

The Cowboys are 3-5 and have struggled with inconsistency. Prescott said the team’s opening plays for its Week 9 game against the Indianapolis Colts could help determine how involved Pickens is early. Dallas has until November 10 to decide whether to trade him; if he stays, his contract will be a major offseason issue.