Ravens-Cowboys trade pitch sends NFL's third-leading receiver to Baltimore to help Lamar Jackson

There’s no telling what Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys have up their sleeve from a blockbuster trade vantage point. 

The franchise could either play it safe the rest of the way or execute a notable deal that would instantly make headlines. ClutchPoints’ Jordan Llanes will choose the latter and send a 1,429-yard receiver (which ranked third in 2025-26) to the Baltimore Ravens to assist star quarterback Lamar Jackson.

“The price would likely start with at least a second-rounder plus another pick, likely a third or fourth rounder,” Llanes wrote Thursday. "A 2027 second-round pick is likely to be more valuable than most years, because the projected class is much deeper than this year’s.”

“If the Ravens sent their 2027 second and fourth round picks to the Cowboys, that could be just enough to bring Pickens to M&T Bank Stadium. If that’s the cost, then (Eric) DeCosta needs to complete a deal as soon as possible. Once it’s done, pay the man to be Jackson’s sidekick for the next five to seven seasons. That’s how the Ravens can get back to the top of the mountain in 2026.”

Llanes’ trade proposal comes after Pickens officially signed the franchise tender with the Cowboys. Trading Pickens seemed more like a dream than a realistic scenario immediately following his breakout season with Dallas. The former Pittsburgh Steelers wideout proved that he could reach an elevated level with a change of scenery, finishing with nearly 1,500 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. 

However, Dallas is hesitant to discuss a long-term deal with Pickens, which makes Llanes’ trade concept come to life. The Ravens’ receiving core could use some work this offseason, as Zay Flowers was the only wideout who recorded over 500 yards last season.

Jackson is firmly in his prime, and surrendering him with Super-Bowl caliber weapons should be among the Ravens’ primary goals ahead of the 2026-27 season. 

Pickens would undoubtedly be a groundbreaking acquisition for the AFC North franchise, making him an asset worth monitoring closely.

More NFL: 

• Giants closing in on ex-Texans $2 million starter, Dexter Lawrence replacement
• Cowboys predicted to cut ties with George Pickens in favor of declining $10 million Bills WR
• Eagles named top landing spot for former Cowboys $21 million starter