The Dallas Cowboys have less than two weeks to decide whether to make a move in the NFL Draft or stand pat at picks No. 12 and No. 20. Some analysts believe Dallas could trade up for a star like Caleb Downs or Rueben Bain Jr., but Cowboys fans will believe it when they see it.
Just like fans are waiting to see whether George Pickens gets paid this offseason or plays on the franchise tag. That uncertainty has opened the door for trade speculation, including a proposal from Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox, who floated a deal that would send Pickens to the Ravens in exchange for the No. 14 overall pick in the upcoming draft.
In that scenario, Dallas would hold picks No. 12, No. 14, and No. 20 in the draft. That’s not a bad haul if the goal is to upgrade the pass rush, linebacker, and secondary. Knox added that multiple teams have interest in Pickens, and if Jerry Jones has a chance to land three first-round picks, he may be willing to pull the trigger.
"Given Pickens' age (25) and proven production (1,429 yards in 2025), teams will likely inquire about him just before or during the draft. The Cowboys, who are already paying CeeDee Lamb $34 million per year, might listen."
The Dallas Cowboys could have three first-round picks in the 2026 draft if they trade George Pickens
The Cowboys could use all three selections on defensive players, and nobody would bat an eye. However, Knox suggested they could find wide receiver value later in the draft -- while saving money in the process -- to help replace Pickens' production.
"Replacing Pickens with a receiver like Kevin Concepcion or Omar Cooper Jr.—on a rookie contract—would make plenty of financial sense. Snagging Pickens would make sense for a team like the Baltimore Ravens."
Kevin "KC" Concepcion is coming off a fantastic season with Texas A&M, where he was named to the All-SEC First Team. He racked up 1,450 all-purpose yards and 12 total touchdowns, showing his speed and versatility on offense and special teams.
Omar Cooper Jr. from Indiana is one of the best receivers in the draft, coming off a national championship and being named to the All-Big Ten Second Team. Cooper Jr. was a key target for Fernando Mendoza all season long, racking up 69 catches, 937 receiving yards, and 14 total touchdowns.
The Cowboys have already hosted Cooper Jr. for a 30 visit, so he's already on Jerry Jones' radar.
Both Concepcion and Cooper are versatile in speed and route running, and they are both likely to be picked in the first round or at the top of the second. One drawback, though, is that they are significantly shorter than Pickens, who has elite contested-catch efficiency, and that's something you can't replace.
Pickens is entering his prime, which is what would make a trade sting the most. At the same time, Dak Prescott is playing the best football of his career. Would moving an All-Pro receiver still be worth it if it means fixing arguably the worst defense in franchise history?
There are multiple ways the Cowboys can handle the Pickens situation, but Knox’s proposal is one Jerry Jones should seriously consider on draft night if it comes to pass.
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