As the Dallas Cowboys try to move past a difficult start to the season marked by injuries and inconsistency, Dak Prescott has put an end to one of the debates surrounding the team: the rumors of a possible trade involving George Pickens.

The quarterback was firm in rejecting the idea that Dallas should part ways with the receiver and made clear that he considers Pickens an important piece both in the locker room and in the offense.

“People say a lot of things I don’t believe, so I’m not listening to that one, either. George is a great teammate. And I say that in the sense of, he’s gonna do whatever is asked, he’s gonna do whatever is called. If it’s to go block, if it’s to just go run a guy off, he’s gonna do that. He believes in just doing the right thing, and the ball will come his way at times. And so, that’s not on George.”

Prescott’s comments come at a time when some fans have called for the Cowboys to capitalize on Pickens’ value on the trade market before his contract expires.

Will the Cowboys re-sign George Pickens?

Despite the speculation, not everyone believes Pickens’ time in Dallas is nearing an end.

Fort Worth Star-Telegram reporter Nick Harris said on the House of Haymaker podcast that he expects the franchise to reach agreements to extend the contracts of both George Pickens and cornerback Joey Porter Jr.

“I think it will be a long-term extension (for Pickens),” Harris said. “And Porter gets the tag. I think there’s already kind of been foundations to that conversation being had with Porter. Whether Porter knows it or not, I think the foundations of that conversation have already started.”

Prescott has not been the only one to publicly defend the receiver.

Days earlier, CeeDee Lamb questioned the fans pushing for a Pickens trade and said his teammate’s presence has been key to his own success in the offense.

“I don’t know why that’s the thing, but come on, man. Everything that I’ve been able to accomplish has been because of him. And what he’s done the year before and vice versa.”

With the trade deadline approaching, George Pickens’ future continues to generate debate. However, both Prescott and Lamb have made clear that, inside the locker room, the receiver still has the full support of the Cowboys’ key figures.