Cowboys’ Trade Talk: Should Dallas Trade George Pickens to Boost Defense?

With the NFL Trade Deadline approaching, speculation is rising about potential moves the Dallas Cowboys could make to improve their roster. Despite a solid start to the season with a high-scoring offense, the Cowboys’ defensive struggles have left some questioning whether they should make a bold move. Columnist Tim Cowlishaw has suggested that Dallas may be better off trading away their leading receiver, George Pickens, to maximize his value and bolster the team’s defense for a playoff push.

Currently sitting at 3-4-1, the Cowboys remain in the playoff conversation thanks to their second-ranked offense, which averages 30.8 points per game. Quarterback Dak Prescott has been playing at a high level, and the offense has been the team’s biggest strength. However, the Cowboys’ defense has been a major liability, allowing 31.6 points per game, which ranks as the second-worst in the league. Given the team’s weaknesses on defense, Cowlishaw argues that Dallas might need to make a tough decision about their roster to improve their chances in the second half of the season.

Pickens, who was acquired in an offseason trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers, is having a career year. He is currently ranked among the league leaders in receiving yards, targets, and yards after the catch. However, Cowlishaw believes that with Pickens entering the final year of his rookie contract, his future with the Cowboys could be uncertain. He suggests that trading Pickens now could provide the team with valuable assets to address their defensive woes while avoiding a significant financial commitment to a wide receiver.

As the Cowboys look ahead to their playoff hopes, the team will need to weigh whether sticking with their current offensive weapons or making a trade to strengthen their defense is the right move. While the notion of trading Pickens may seem surprising, Cowlishaw’s argument is based on the long-term health of the team and its salary cap situation.

1. A High-Scoring Offense, But Defensive Struggles Persist

The Dallas Cowboys’ offensive production has been one of the highlights of their 2024 season, with quarterback Dak Prescott leading the charge. The team is averaging 30.8 points per game, placing them second in the NFL in scoring. Prescott has been effective in spreading the ball around, with wide receiver George Pickens serving as one of his top targets. Pickens has been instrumental in the Cowboys’ offensive success, ranking highly in receiving yards, targets, and yards after the catch. Despite the offensive firepower, the Cowboys have been unable to translate their scoring into consistent wins due to their struggles on defense. The defense is allowing an alarming 31.6 points per game, which has left them vulnerable in key moments. While the offense has been productive, it has often been forced to play catch-up as the defense fails to make stops. This imbalance has put the team in a difficult position, especially with the playoffs on the horizon. The defense’s inability to stop opposing offenses has made it clear that improvements are needed if the Cowboys hope to make a deep postseason run. While the offense continues to carry the team, the defense remains a glaring weakness. This situation has led to questions about whether the Cowboys should prioritize a defensive upgrade, even if it means making difficult decisions about their offensive players. With the trade deadline approaching, the Cowboys’ front office faces a critical decision: should they focus on maintaining their offensive strength, or make a move to address the defensive issues that have plagued them?

2. George Pickens’ Contract Situation: Trade Now or Pay Later?

George Pickens has been a standout performer for the Cowboys in 2024, but his contract situation is creating complications. The wide receiver, who was acquired in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers, is having a career year and has become one of Dak Prescott’s most trusted targets. However, with Pickens in the final year of his rookie contract, Cowlishaw suggests that it may be wise for the Cowboys to trade him now while his value is high. Cowlishaw argues that paying Pickens, who could demand a $30 million-a-year contract, would put a significant strain on the team’s salary cap. The Cowboys are already facing high salary cap numbers for key players, including Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, and adding another large contract for Pickens could jeopardize the team’s financial flexibility moving forward. With the franchise tag for wide receivers projected at $28 million next season, Cowlishaw questions whether it’s worth investing such a large amount in a position that is already well-stocked. The financial reality of retaining Pickens may not align with the Cowboys’ long-term plans. If the team is serious about improving its defense and making a strong push for the playoffs, trading Pickens could provide the team with valuable assets, such as draft picks, that could be used to address the defensive side of the ball. This would allow the Cowboys to focus on younger, more affordable players while avoiding the pressure of committing a massive contract to a wide receiver. While trading Pickens may seem counterintuitive given his on-field contributions, Cowlishaw believes it could be the best move for the Cowboys’ future. By freeing up cap space and focusing on defense, the team could position itself for sustained success, both in the short term and beyond.

3. The Trade Deadline: A Chance to Improve the Defense

The Cowboys’ defense has been the primary issue holding them back from being a true contender. Allowing 31.6 points per game, their defense has consistently failed to make crucial stops and get the ball back to their high-powered offense. With the trade deadline approaching, the Cowboys must seriously consider making moves to bolster their defensive unit if they want to compete for a playoff spot. Cowlishaw’s proposal to trade Pickens and reinvest in a younger, defensive-minded team might be the necessary shift for the Cowboys. While trading a key offensive player like Pickens is a bold move, improving the defense could be the key to the Cowboys’ success in the second half of the season. The team has enough offensive firepower to remain competitive, but without a substantial improvement on defense, they may fall short when it matters most. Addressing the defense may require a trade for a top-tier defensive player or a few key additions to fill gaps in their secondary and defensive line. The Cowboys’ front office will need to evaluate their options carefully and make decisions that will set them up for long-term success, particularly as they look ahead to a potential playoff run. Ultimately, the Cowboys face a crossroads: strengthen their defense now to make a serious playoff push, or stay the course with their current roster and continue to rely on their offense to carry the load.