Raiders trade idea solves Cowboys' biggest offseason issue

Dallas would get a first-round pick in return for George Pickens

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:42am

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football game or match between the Raiders and Cowboys, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the two teams' uniforms.A cubist interpretation of the proposed trade between the Raiders and Cowboys, highlighting the complex dynamics at play as the two teams look to address their respective roster needs.Pickens Today

A proposed trade would send wide receiver George Pickens from the Dallas Cowboys to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and a 2027 fifth-round pick. The move would address the Cowboys' need at wide receiver while providing the Raiders with a young, talented WR1 option.

Why it matters

The Raiders have been looking to add a top-tier wide receiver this offseason, and Pickens could be the perfect fit. Meanwhile, the Cowboys have a glaring need at the position after losing several key receivers in free agency. This trade would benefit both teams by addressing their respective roster needs.

The details

In the proposed trade, the Raiders would acquire 25-year-old wide receiver George Pickens from the Cowboys in exchange for a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and a 2027 fifth-round pick. Pickens is considered one of the top young receivers in the league and would provide the Raiders with a true WR1 option to complement their existing offensive weapons.

  • The trade proposal was published on April 17, 2026.

The players

George Pickens

A 25-year-old wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys who is considered one of the top young receivers in the NFL.

Las Vegas Raiders

An NFL team that is looking to add a top-tier wide receiver this offseason to bolster their offensive attack.

Dallas Cowboys

An NFL team that has a glaring need at the wide receiver position after losing several key players in free agency.

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What they’re saying

“It is time for the Raiders to become relevant again. They cannot draft Mendoza and keep his weapons and Bowers, and then Tyler Lockett. They must add a true WR1, and Pickens can become it. The team will have to trade-and-sign Pickens to a massive dealtrade and sign, but why not? You are a young, new team with money to spend. Pickens is a premier NFL wide receiver, and he will sell your team a lot of merchandise. Mark Davis knows a thing or two about marketing.”

— Thomas Carelli, SI Writer

What’s next

The Cowboys and Raiders would need to negotiate the details of the trade and ensure Pickens is willing to sign a long-term deal with the Raiders if the trade is completed.

The takeaway

This proposed trade would be a win-win for both the Raiders and Cowboys, as it would address key roster needs for each team. The Raiders would acquire a top young wide receiver in Pickens, while the Cowboys would recoup valuable draft capital to help rebuild their receiving corps.