By 
The Dallas Cowboys sit at a crossroads with George Pickens. CBS Sports’ Jordan Dajani pitched a specific deal that sends the Las Vegas Raiders a second-round pick to Dallas in exchange for the All-Pro receiver. The Las Vegas Raiders deal solves a cap headache while giving Frisco a crucial asset for the future. The Cowboys need to pull the trigger before the deadline passes.
Playing under the franchise tag this year, Pickens is owed a massive contract. Dajani noted that doubts persist regarding the Cowboys’ capacity to pay him. Then, the recently added Joey Porter Jr. is due a massive contract as well, according to a report. Will Dallas truly commit to paying Pickens approximately $35 million annually? Securing a second-round pick for a player who might not remain on the roster next year is logical.
The Raiders Need a True Number One
Among wide receiver groups in the NFL, the Raiders possess one of the weakest. With 474 yards, Tre Tucker leads, followed by Jalen Nailor who has 113 yards. For years to come, Pickens would offer Fernando Mendoza a genuine perimeter threat. Leading all Raiders wide receivers this season, his receiving yards total 533. He is an elite deep threat who could stretch the field and open the running game up.
Since Las Vegas will not pay a quarterback, they retain the flexibility to offer an elite pass catcher substantial money. Acquiring a player like Pickens for a second-round pick is certainly not a bad price. Last season, he finished third in the NFL for receiving yards. The primary worry is that he will demand compensation comparable to top wide receivers in the league. As Dajani highlighted, $35 million annually is probably the minimum he will request.
Cowboys Must Be Willing to Sell
Owner Jerry Jones has argued that the addition of Joey Porter Jr. last month from the Steelers is essentially this year’s trade deadline move. But the team needs more help on defense, and the roster is thin on draft capital. However, the Cowboys have a roster member who could facilitate that deal. Dan Graziano of ESPN stated on Monday that George Pickens, the Cowboys’ wide receiver on the franchise tag who appears excluded from future plans and missed Sunday’s game due to injury, is their primary trade asset.
Stephen Jones informed 105.3 The Fan on Monday that trade discussions are “pretty quiet on our front.” Yet the Eagles made a blockbuster deal in sending defensive tackle Jordan Davis to Jacksonville for a first-round pick. For Pickens, the Cowboys might obtain a second-round pick plus some late-round picks for other players. With only four picks in 2027, any trade executed by the team must be a blockbuster.
The Cowboys are in a unique situation with a 4-5 record and eight games remaining. They defeated only two teams with winning records since coach Brian Schottenheimer was hired. Finding a pass rusher could be of importance, but selling high on a pending free agent is the smart play. The team holds just four picks in 2027.
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/cowboys-dump-pickens-raiders-second-164455384.html
