Trading George Pickens? It Might Be the Cowboys’ Smartest Play Yet
George Pickens didn’t just make plays in 2025-he made statements. The kind of jaw-dropping, sideline-tapping, defender-posterizing statements that had Cowboys fans flashing back to the glory days of Dez Bryant. With 93 catches, 1,429 yards, and nine touchdowns, Pickens didn’t just have a breakout season-he delivered a full-on highlight mixtape.
But here’s the twist: the Cowboys might be better off moving on from him.
Yes, that sounds like sacrilege. Trade away your Pro Bowl wideout coming off a career year?
That’s not the kind of move that typically earns cheers. But this isn’t about emotion.
It’s about timing, roster construction, and maximizing value while the stock is sky-high.
Let’s start with the numbers. Pickens was electric early in the season, putting up big numbers and making big plays.
But over the final stretch, his production cooled off. In his last six games, he cracked 100 yards just once and dipped below 40 yards in three outings.
That’s not the kind of consistency you want from a WR2, especially one who’s due for a big payday.
Then there’s the off-field element. Pickens came to Dallas with some baggage from his time in Pittsburgh-where reports of erratic behavior and frustration with coaches were part of the story.
And while the Cowboys haven’t had any major blowups, there were some warning signs. Both Pickens and CeeDee Lamb were benched for a series during the season, a disciplinary move that raised eyebrows.
Lamb’s involvement was surprising, given his typically steady presence. But Pickens?
That felt more familiar.
None of this is to say Pickens isn’t a top-tier talent. He is.
But the Cowboys have to ask themselves: Is he the right fit for the long haul? Or is now the perfect time to cash in?
One potential move on the table: trade Pickens to the Las Vegas Raiders for the 36th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
It’s not the kind of blockbuster that will light up social media like a Maxx Crosby deal might, but it’s a realistic, strategic option. The Raiders get a proven weapon for their new quarterback, and Dallas walks away with something even more valuable: flexibility.
That pick would give the Cowboys three selections in the top 36. For a team undergoing a defensive overhaul, that’s a dream scenario. Three premium picks on rookie contracts-exactly what a new defensive coordinator needs to build a fast, disciplined, and cost-effective unit.
And let’s be honest: Dallas needs help on that side of the ball. The offense, even without Pickens, can still hum with CeeDee Lamb as the centerpiece.
Dak Prescott doesn’t need two 1,400-yard receivers to move the chains-he needs balance. He needs a defense that can get stops and flip field position.
Trading Pickens could be the first domino in building that kind of team.
Of course, losing a talent like Pickens stings. But the Cowboys have options in free agency.
Veterans like Mike Evans or Deebo Samuel could bring physicality and leadership. Speedsters like Rashid Shaheed or shifty route-runners like Wan’Dale Robinson could give Dallas the kind of complementary threat that keeps defenses honest.
None would break the bank, and all would allow Lamb to remain the alpha in the passing game.
This isn’t about giving up on George Pickens. It’s about understanding value.
The Cowboys acquired him for a future third-round pick-a steal by any measure. Now, they have a chance to flip that investment into a second-rounder and reshape their defense in the process.
That’s how contenders are built. Not just by collecting stars, but by knowing when to move them.
By turning highlight reels into draft capital. By thinking two steps ahead.
George Pickens gave Dallas a show in 2025. But if the Cowboys play this right, his biggest contribution might be the door he opens for a stronger, smarter, more complete team in 2026 and beyond.