Could the Las Vegas Raiders and Dallas Cowboys hook up for a blockbuster trade this offseason? A former NFL defensive back and current ESPN analyst not only thinks it's possible, he predicts it's actually going to happen.
On the latest episode "Get Up" on ESPN, Jason McCourty predicted that the two teams would link up for a trade that sends wide receiver George Pickens to the Raiders and Maxx Crosby to the Cowboys.
"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," McCourty said.
"And for the Raiders, you get a weapon in George Pickens for Fernando Mendoza," McCourty added.
Rumors suggest Crosby might have played his last snap with the Raiders, and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that the expectation is Pickens will get franchise tagged and a tag-and-trade scenario is on the table.
The fact of the matter is, the Cowboys simply can't keep Pickens. They are already well over the cap and need to utilize all of their limited resources on the defensive side of the ball instead of paying big money to another wide receiver.
When it comes to Crosby, if he wants out in Vegas, the Raiders are going to oblige. And, truth be told, with the Raiders rebuilding, they should strongly consider trading Crosby even if he wants to stay.
Does this trade make sense?
This trade would actually make sense for both teams, but the Raiders should be getting a pick on top of receiving Pickens.
The Cowboys desperately need to improve their defense this offseason and one of the top priorities is adding an impact edge rusher. Crosby would instantly check that box thanks to his status as one of the best in the business at his position.
In Las Vegas, we would be shocked if Fernando Mendoza isn't the pick at No. 1 for the Raiders. Knowing that, adding more weapons and beefing up the offensive line are crucial and trading for Pickens would address one of those needs.
Pickens comes with plenty of risk, though. Paying big money to the mercurial wide receiver is a gamble with his history of behavior and effort issues.
But that's a risk the Raiders might be willing to take considering Pickens might be the best wide receiver available this offseason.
Before Cowboys fans get their hopes up about trading for Crosby, it's important to note that the Raiders will likely work with the five-time Pro Bowler to send him where he wants to go.
If the Cowboys aren't on that list, it might not matter what Dallas throws at Las Vegas in an offer for Crosby.
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