The Dallas Cowboys have been thrust into the center of another massive offseason trade rumor, with ESPN’s Dan Graziano proposing a blockbuster swap that would send star wide receiver George Pickens and a 2026 first-round pick to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for elite edge rusher Maxx Crosby and a 2026 second-rounder.
Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones talks before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones talks before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Cowboys in Bombshell Trade Proposal: Dan Graziano Suggests Trading George Pickens + 1st-Rounder for Maxx Crosby and 2nd-Round Pick
In his latest piece outlining “best possible deals” for the 2026 NFL offseason (published February 19, 2026), Graziano laid out the framework:
Raiders receive:
WR George Pickens
2026 first-round pick (projected No. 20 overall)
Cowboys receive:
EDGE Maxx Crosby
2026 second-round pick (projected No. 36 overall)
Why Graziano Says This Trade Makes Sense for the Cowboys
Graziano argues the deal solves several pressing problems for Dallas heading into a critical offseason:
Pickens Contract Dilemma — The Cowboys are unlikely to offer Pickens a long-term, top-of-market deal after acquiring him in 2025. Franchise-tagging him again (as they did last year with Micah Parsons) risks drama and cap complications. Trading him now nets premium value before his price potentially rises.
Replacing Micah Parsons’ Production — Crosby, under contract for ~$30 million per year over the next two seasons, immediately slots in as a high-impact edge rusher to replace or complement Parsons. His relentless motor and proven sack production would upgrade the Cowboys’ pass rush.
WR Depth Solution — Dallas could then target a more cost-effective No. 2 wide receiver in free agency or the draft, avoiding the need to overpay Pickens.
Graziano notes:
“The Cowboys likely aren’t going to fork over a long-term, top-of-market deal for Pickens, and franchise-tagging him could cause more problems than it solves… They get back Crosby, who will make around $30 million per year for the next two years and would replace Parsons. Then, Dallas could look elsewhere for its No. 2 wide receiver.”
Why the Raiders Would Consider It
Dec 25, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) carries the ball as Washington Commanders cornerback Noah Igbinoghene (6) defends during the first half at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) carries the ball as Washington Commanders cornerback Noah Igbinoghene (6) defends during the first half at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
On the other side, Graziano explains Las Vegas benefits by:
Acquiring Pickens, a young, explosive WR who fits their budget better than CeeDee Lamb would (Dallas pays Lamb top-three WR money).
Adding a high first-round pick to accelerate their rebuild under new head coach Klint Kubiak.
Current Cowboys Context
Dallas enters the 2026 offseason with significant questions:
Pickens is eligible for the franchise tag (around $28–29M) by March 3.
The team is projected over the cap.
The defense needs pass-rush help after a disappointing 2025.
A Crosby trade would instantly upgrade the edge rotation and provide long-term stability.
No official trade talks have been reported, and this remains Graziano’s speculative proposal. However, the idea has already generated massive buzz among Cowboys fans, with many debating whether losing Pickens for Crosby would be worth it.
Cowboys Nation: Would you pull the trigger on this Pickens-for-Crosby swap? Or is George too valuable to move? Drop your take below—this offseason is shaping up to be wild!
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