Let’s all sit down for the latest NFL trade rumors surrounding the Dallas Cowboys and Las Vegas Raiders this offseason. One Cowboys film analyst, Bryan Broaddus, made a wild prediction that would send WR George Pickens and a first-round pick to the Las Vegas Raiders for defensive end Maxx Crosby. Now, before we get ahead of ourselves, no way is this trade going through before the start of the 2026 campaign. The Cowboys have already moved on, trading for Rashan Gary and Dee Winters to strengthen their pass-rush unit. Following Crosby’s failed physical and his ultimate departure from the Baltimore Ravens after the trade was nullified, the Raiders aren’t moving him anymore.
However, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones hasn’t fully closed the door yet on a possible trade during the 2026 season. It doesn’t mean the team is willing to send Pickens and a first-round pick for the defensive stalwart even if he proves he can stay healthy. Despite the trade chatter between Crosby and Pickens throughout the offseason, nobody should anticipate anything to happen, at least until sometime in October.
It also depends on how the Cowboys and Raiders perform this upcoming season. Las Vegas drafted QB Fernando Mendoza and signed free agent veteran Kirk Cousins, giving them two leaders to help rebuild their offense. On the other side, Dallas is doing well themselves, franchise tagging Pickens and finding ways to upgrade the defense, including drafting Jaishawn Barham and Malachi Lawrence. Let’s move on to how this Cowboys-Raiders blockbuster trade will work.
NFL Trade Rumors: Cowboys, Raiders Connected in Bombshell Projected $106M Trade
LWOS Exclusive Trade Breakdown
Okay, let’s fully break this down because there’s no way the Cowboys are sending an All-Pro receiver and a first-rounder for Crosby. What could work to make this trade happen is if Dallas is willing to send WR Ryan Flournoy, who is projected to break out this upcoming season, and a 2027 second-round selection in exchange for the Raiders edge rusher. It might be hard to convince Las Vegas, but if they’re having another 2-9 season, then what’s the point of holding their best defensive player?
Crosby was already excited to leave the Raiders, but of course, that changed once he broke his silence on the situation in Baltimore. Is he truly happy in Las Vegas? Of course not, nobody should expect him to be there anymore beyond the 2026 season. It’s likely the Raiders will have another abysmal season.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys, of course, will find themselves back in the postseason. Dallas would only be looking to send their slot receiver to get the defensive playmaker. This would allow the Raiders to truly rebuild the core of their receiving unit behind Tre Tucker, Jalen Nailor and Dont’e Thornton. Now, let’s explore a few package deals that would make life easier for the Jones family to move on from Pickens during the 2026 season.
Two Care Packages Possible
Baltimore Ravens
With the Baltimore Ravens holding onto a struggling Rashod Bateman, the team could make a strong push for an All-Pro receiver to help Zay Flowers, who is entering the final year of his deal. After drafting Ja’Kobi Lane this year, it’s definitely not enough ammo for Lamar Jackson to pull this offense into the AFC Championship Game. Baltimore is a good team offensively, but if they want to win a Super Bowl, they have to do the same unthinkable here, which is putting everything on the line for Jackson.
While they haven’t done that necessarily in terms of a new contract, they could comfortably pull something off. If Dallas is having a lackluster year, they could send Pickens in exchange for Roquan Smith, Marlon Humphrey and a first-round pick.
Carolina Panthers
Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers probably have one of the most underrated offenses in the NFC. However, can QB Bryce Young step up hugely? If they want him to be confident, it’s time to go “all in.” While they drafted WR Chris Brazzell, there are still lingering questions surrounding Xavier Legette and his production. With Legette already a trade candidate, they could send him and two first-round picks in exchange for Pickens.
