Trade Deadline Debate Puts Pickens, Wilson and Murray in Focus

As the November 10 NFL trade deadline approaches, teams must decide whether to pursue additions or move players. The Cowboys, Jets and Vikings face different questions about high-profile players and the direction of their seasons.

Dallas is 3–5, and its defense is allowing 385.4 yards per game, the most in the league. One proposed move is trading receiver George Pickens, who is playing under a one-year franchise tag. He has 39 catches for 533 yards and two touchdowns; teammate Ryan Flournoy has 30 catches for 342 yards and two scores. Trading Pickens could bring Dallas draft picks to use on defense, while the team leans more on CeeDee Lamb and its running game.

The Jets, at 2–6, are urged to keep Garrett Wilson as a central part of their rebuild. The team has three first-round picks, all currently in next year’s top 10, and young contributors at receiver and running back. Geno Smith has thrown 12 touchdowns and three interceptions, though other teams may ask about him in trade discussions.

Minnesota’s question is whether to move on from quarterback Kyler Murray. He has averaged under seven yards per pass attempt during four of the last five seasons and has dealt with injuries, with a concussion suffered during his Vikings debut. The case for a change points to his long-running downfield struggles and the Cardinals’ eventual decision to release him.