The Dallas Cowboys' relationship with wide receiver George Pickens has hit a rough patch, and with the NFL trade deadline just days away, the rumor mill is churning. Pickens, who was sensational in 2025 with 93 catches for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns, finds himself at the center of controversy after head coach Brian Schottenheimer publicly questioned his commitment to the running game.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Schottenheimer didn't hold back. "He needs to understand that he impacts us in the running game as well. He's got to do the same thing in the run game, picking up safeties and blocking corners, just like Javonte (Williams) does, picking up blitzes so he can catch balls," Schottenheimer said, via Jon Machota of The Athletic. "That's part of the team-first mindset, and GP does understand that. When he's going, they're going to play soft inside. When he's not going then the safeties get pretty good runs at our backs. And that's got to improve."
The timing is intriguing. Just hours after those comments, Pickens appeared on the injury report with a shoulder issue, listed as a limited participant in Thursday's practice. That development only fueled speculation that the All-Pro receiver might be on the move before the Nov. 10 deadline.
Cowboys fans have taken notice, and social media is buzzing with trade demands. One fan wrote, "He clearly doesn't want to be on the team, he's getting traded." Another suggested, "Send him to KC," while a third declared, "Just trade him for the highest value pick & move on."
ESPN's Ben Solak has floated the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Rams as potential landing spots for Pickens, a scenario that would give quarterback Patrick Mahomes or Matthew Stafford a dynamic deep threat. The Chiefs, in particular, have been aggressive in adding playmakers, and the Rams could use a boost to their receiving corps. For more on that angle, check out this insider's take on a Pickens trade.
Pickens is on pace to surpass 1,000 receiving yards again this season, but his perceived lack of effort in the run game has become a sticking point. The Cowboys, who have struggled to find consistency, may decide that a rebuild is in order if the losses pile up. Moving Pickens for draft capital could be the first step in that direction.
If Dallas does pull the trigger, they'd be following a trend of teams making bold moves at the deadline. The Giants, for instance, have been linked to running back upgrades, and Cam Skattebo's shrinking role has sparked rumors. Meanwhile, the Cowboys' own defensive star, Micah Parsons, has seen his trade value questioned after a rough stretch, as the numbers tell a brutal story.
For now, Pickens remains a Cowboy, but the tension is palpable. Whether he stays or goes, the next few days will be crucial for Dallas's direction. If the team continues to slide, don't be surprised if Pickens is the first domino to fall.
