Raiders and Cowboys Reportedly Eyeing Blockbuster Trade

ESPN analyst predicts major offseason move between the two NFL teams

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A former NFL defensive back and current ESPN analyst Jason McCourty believes the Las Vegas Raiders and Dallas Cowboys could execute a blockbuster trade this offseason. McCourty predicted that the Cowboys would franchise tag wide receiver George Pickens and then trade him to the Raiders in exchange for defensive end Maxx Crosby.

Why it matters

A major trade between two high-profile NFL franchises would shake up the offseason and significantly impact the rosters and strategies of both teams as they prepare for the upcoming season.

The details

According to McCourty's prediction, the Cowboys would franchise tag Pickens, their star wide receiver, rather than signing him to a long-term deal. They would then trade Pickens to the Raiders in exchange for Maxx Crosby, the Raiders' standout defensive end. This would bolster the Cowboys' defensive line while providing the Raiders with a top receiving threat.

  • The trade prediction was made on the February 11, 2026 episode of ESPN's "Get Up" show.

The players

Jason McCourty

A former NFL defensive back who is currently an analyst for ESPN.

George Pickens

The Dallas Cowboys' star wide receiver.

Maxx Crosby

The Las Vegas Raiders' standout defensive end.

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What they’re saying

“You franchise tag George Pickens, you don't work out a long-term deal, you trade him to the Raiders, get Crosby in exchange. Now, you've just beefed up your defensive line.”

— Jason McCourty, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)

What’s next

The Cowboys and Raiders would need to negotiate the details of a potential trade, and the Cowboys would have to decide whether to franchise tag Pickens or sign him to a long-term deal.

The takeaway

This potential trade would be a blockbuster move that could significantly reshape the rosters and strategies of both the Cowboys and Raiders as they look to improve their teams for the upcoming NFL season.