Something’s about to change for the Dallas Cowboys. Staring at a 3-4-1 record with the November 4 trade deadline mere days away, owner and general manager Jerry Jones finds himself looking for defensive help. But someone’s got to walk out to make room for a new player to don the star. But who’s it going to be? Analysts suggest wide receiver Jalen Tolbert is on thin ice. Tolbert’s offense insurance at this point, but Jerry needs more than a backup plan now.

“Who could be on the move? Wide receiver Jalen Tolbert,” notes Todd Archer of ESPN. “He is on the final year of his deal, and his production has dropped alongside CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. KaVontae Turpin is taking more snaps as the No. 3 receiver, and the Cowboys like the potential of Ryan Flournoy… receiver-needy teams might be willing to part with a draft pick or a defensive player for him.”

Jalen Tolbert’s role in the Cowboys’ offense has dwindled sharply this season, with just 14 receptions for 172 yards and one touchdown to his name. In contrast, CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens have thrived as Dak Prescott’s primary weapons, leaving little room for Tolbert to make an impact. Any potential move involving Tolbert wouldn’t stem from locker-room tension but rather a calculated business decision by Jerry Jones, one that reflects the team’s shifting offensive priorities.

Dak and the offense have so far shown fireworks and a shower of points on the scoreboard whenever they could. But Dallas needs more than an elite offense. 19th in pass rush win rate, stuck at 36.8%. Deep passes are killing the secondary, and linebackers are letting players slip through their gaps. The Cowboys haven’t gotten enough pressure, so QBs are tossing bombs. It’s a simple fix on paper: trade a receiver, bring in a defensive player. But it hasn’t been so easy for Jerry.

Dallas tried to trade for Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders. They also phoned in for Trey Hendrickson from the Cincinnati Bengals. Neither of those teams had any plans to trade their stars. Does Jerry want to make a trade? Yes (maybe), but he’s not getting any of the players he likes. As he recently noted:

“I can tell you this right now, there is not a trade in my mind… we just don’t have one at this time that I would do.”

Analytics writer Seth Walder suggests Dallas could add Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams to plug the gaps. Trevon Diggs, the most dominant corner for Dallas, is on IR and could miss most of November, if not more. Williams’ contract year, and the fact that the Chiefs look all set with their starters, makes the case even more solid for Dallas. Will Jerry Jones trade for Williams, or will he get someone else at the last moment? Or will he simply pass on anybody who can’t immediately light up the backfield?

But the defensive woes aren’t the only headaches the Dallas Cowboys are facing. There were some doubts around the block when George Pickens came to the Star to become the WR2. He even solidified himself further when Lamb was out for some games. But is Pickens staying with Dallas after the 2025 season? Well… that’s a question.

What’s the deal with George Pickens?

The situation around Pickens is quiet. Too quiet. On the field, he’s electric, pulling coverages, making big grabs, and commanding respect. But are the Cowboys thinking of inking him to a deal worthy of the athleticism and explosions he brings to Dallas’ offense? As insider Ed Werder noted on X, not yet.

“With a week remaining before the #NFL deadline, the #Cowboys have not engaged in contract extension talks with WR George Pickens or his representatives. Pickens is on an expiring contract. Franchise player designation is an option that would cost projected $28M.”

But the silence around Pickens’ deal seems like a classic Jerry Jones move. Think back to Prescott and Lamb, both of whom had to wait until the very last second before inking their new deals. $28 million for a franchise tag sounds top shelf, but not unheard of for a WR1 talent like Pickens. But if contract talks stall (if and when they begin), things could get messy. Remember Rico Dowdle or Micah Parsons’ exit vibes. For now, all eyes are on Jones and the negotiation table. 

Pickens, meanwhile, is fully wired to play. The front office will most likely play the long game, watching cap trends and trade markets. But if they want a future with Pickens, they’ll need to break the bank soon. Otherwise, tag and trade talk is coming, and that always gets messy in Dallas.