Overview
- The Cowboys declined to trade at Tuesday’s NFL deadline, and head coach Brian Schottenheimer said the decision shows confidence in the current roster.
- ESPN reporting confirmed the team received no trade inquiries for wide receiver George Pickens, who remains with Dallas under the franchise tag.
- Earlier-season trades, including the deal for cornerback Joey Porter Jr., left Dallas with just four selections in the 2027 draft and limited owner-GM Jerry Jones’s willingness to give up more picks.
- Defensive metrics through nine games underline the concern: Dallas is allowing 26.2 points per game, ranks last in defensive EPA per play per PFF, and has recorded only 17 sacks, leaving the edge pass rush as the most urgent need.
- The decision to stand pat raises stakes for the remainder of the season because the 4-5 Cowboys must generate more pressure and wins during a difficult stretch that includes a matchup with the San Francisco 49ers.