Ravens trade proposal sends first-round pick to Cowboys for $27 million star

Ravens trade proposal sends first-round pick to Cowboys for $27 million star originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Baltimore Ravens are entering a pivotal season in 2026.

The team still has plenty of stars and talent, but they have a new head coach for the first time in almost two decades. There will be immediate pressure on Jesse Minter to get back to the postseason and avoid wasting Lamar Jackson's prime seasons.

So far this offseason, the Ravens haven't done much in free agency. Guard John Simpson was the biggest addition on offense, and edge-rusher Trey Hendrickson was the big-ticket addition on defense.

As a result, there are still plenty of holes, especially on offense. As of right now, Rashod Bateman, Devontez Walker, and Zay Flowers are the starting receivers once again- does the team really want to run that trio back again?

Jackson could use more weapons, and one recent trade proposal has the team making a bold move in a bid to compete. Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report recently identified some trades that could happen before the season, and one is George Pickens to the Ravens.

In this scenario, the Ravens would send a 2026 first-round pick to the Dallas Cowboys for George Pickens. Regarding this potential deal, Knox offered the following:

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.

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.

Baltimore could use a legitimate No. 1 receiver, and Pickens would certainly fill that need. He may also relish a chance to go up against the Pittsburgh Steelers team that jettisoned him a year ago.

As Knox mentioned, the Ravens need a legit No. 1 receiver and Pickens certainly proved he was that in 2025. The Cowboys have publicly said they want to keep Pickens, but if they don't think he can be re-signed, they may decide to make a move.

In 2025, Pickens played in all 17 games and caught 93 passes for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns. Pickens easily set career-highs in each of those categories and also earned his first Pro Bowl selection.

Of course, there's always some baggage you have to put up with, but Baltimore could have the perfect locker room for a player like Pickens to fit in. If the Ravens are giving up a first-round pick, they're likely going to want to know they can re-sign him to a long-term deal.

There's likely no receiver the Ravens could take in the first round who would be better than Pickens immediately, so this deal would make sense. It's hard not to get excited about the idea of Jackson, Flowers, Derrick Henry, and Pickens all on the same offense.

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