Turns out all that trade deadline noise about George Pickens? Yeah, it was just that: noise. Despite all the chatter leading up to the NFL trade deadline, especially after the Dallas Cowboys dropped one to the Arizona Cardinals, not a single team even picked up the phone to inquire about trading for the receiver. Seriously, zero calls.
The Pickens Rumors Were Everywhere, But The Phone Stayed Silent
For weeks, it felt like George Pickens was a name constantly floating around. Was he available? Would the Cowboys actually move him? There was a ton of speculation, especially since a loss to the Cardinals might’ve given Dallas some “justification” to make a move this season. But here we are, past the deadline, and Pickens is still a Cowboy. That part isn’t a shocker to anyone who watches the league, but the real kicker, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, is just how little action there was. “The Cowboys did not receive any trade calls on receiver George Pickens, who is happy in Dallas and didn’t want to be traded,” Fowler reported. That’s a pretty strong statement, telling us there was never any real chance of him going anywhere.
Why Teams Skipped the “High-End Aisle” for Receivers
So, why the radio silence? Fowler explained it simply: “Teams in the receiver market weren’t shopping in the high-end aisle, either, so the idea of a Pickens trade was a nonstarter.” Basically, teams looking for pass-catchers at the deadline were aiming for mid-range guys, not players who would command more than, say, a third-round pick, which Pickens likely would have. Think about it: the Kansas City Chiefs grabbed Josh Downs, and the San Francisco 49ers went for Keenan Allen. Both solid additions, absolutely, but they weren’t going after the top-tier, high-cost options. While any team would love to have a talent like Pickens, the combination of his likely high trade cost, the Cowboys’ clear desire to keep him, and the market focusing on more affordable options meant Pickens was always a lock to stay put.
The deadline has come and gone, and George Pickens is right where he wants to be, with the team that wants him. No calls, no drama, just business as usual in Dallas.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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