After losing its second consecutive matchup this 2026 season, the latest Dallas Cowboys rumors are heating up, which may lead to star wide receiver George Pickens requesting a trade. Originally selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the former All-Pro was traded to Dallas last offseason, where the receiver finished with 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns. Unfortunately, the Cowboys failed to agree to a new extension for the superstar and instead franchise-tagged him. The wideout was rumored on the trade block during the 2026 NFL Draft, with the Baltimore Ravens as an interested suitor, but there was no official word on whether the Cowboys were open to it.
Now, the Cowboys are 2-4 and could be heading into an abysmal season where tanking is a possibility. Meanwhile, Pickens has leverage in next year’s negotiations if he can record high numbers despite the Cowboys’ offensive struggles led by head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s play-calling. However, Dallas may consider allowing a superstar trade involving the pass-catcher if the Cowboys drop their next game against NFC East rival Philadelphia.
Cowboys Rumors: Humiliating Loss May Lead to $27M Trade Request
Patience Wearing Thin?
Veteran QB Dak Prescott hasn’t been impactful since the game against the Houston Texans, whom they barely defeated. With Prescott’s struggles and play-calling woes, the superstar wideout’s patience could wear thin. Pickens will be an unrestricted free agent next offseason, and since Cowboys COO Stephen Jonessaid it’d be hard to have two wide receivers, including CeeDee Lamb, on highly paid contracts, a trade is sensible.
After all, it wouldn’t make sense to retain the Pickens for the rest of the 2026 season if they aren’t postseason contenders. The Cowboys will likely try to gauge multiple draft picks for the wide receiver and build for the 2027 offensive future. The NFL Trade Deadline isn’t until Nov. 10, so there’s plenty of time left. However, it wouldn’t be surprising if the 25-year-old receiver wants a trade to a contender.
Several wide receivers are on the rumored trade block, especially the Cowboys wideout. Five teams are expected to be interested in the wideout if the Cowboys lose against Philadelphia.
Potential Trade Destinations
5. Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are 5-0 and are having one of the best seasons. The Chiefs are a perfect match for Pickens, but Kansas City doesn’t necessarily need another wide receiver. Unless they want to trade Rashee Rice, they could keep their receiver core and sign Tyreek Hill by next month. However, the Cowboys could demand Rice and two first-round picks, which could be intriguing for the Chiefs, who want to win one more ring before TE Travis Kelce retires.
4. Baltimore Ravens
Meanwhile, Baltimore’s starting QB Lamar Jackson is day-to-day with an ankle injury, but could return to practice ahead of Week seven. With Jackson still out, the Ravens still need another dynamic wide receiver. Rashod Bateman has been named a trade candidate ahead of the Nov. 10 deadline, but may need to give up more for Pickens. The Cowboys could ask for a first- and second-round pick alongside Bateman for their superstar pass-catcher.
3. Denver Broncos
After trading for Jaylen Waddle earlier this offseason, the Denver Broncos are expected to move one of their pass-catchers. While Courtland Sutton and Troy Franklin are locked in, Lil’Jordan Humphrey and Marvin Mims are unrestricted free agents next offseason. The Cowboys have options if they want to negotiate with Denver. Mims and Humphrey for depth sounds reasonable, but they could be interested in Sutton and a second-round pick if the Broncos want Pickens.
2. Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers sit atop their division at 3-2 and are off to one of the best starts, led by QB Bryce Young. The Panthers signed John Metchie for depth and a potential replacement for Xavier Legette, who could be traded before the deadline. However, Metchie is a journeyman and needs a dynamic playmaker alongside Tetairoa McMillan. Jalen Coker, who signed a contract extension, is solid, but Pickens is the ultimate final crown jewel piece for the Panthers offense.
1. New England Patriots
After the New England Patriots placed WR Romeo Doubs on IR, they could look for a new wideout. AJ Brown returned, but has been inconsistent with QB Drake Maye. Mack Hollins remains on IR, but the Patriots could trade DeMario Douglas, a first- and third-round pick, for Pickens. Douglas is on an expiring contract, making it a friendly deal with the Cowboys.
