George Pickens Could Net Cowboys a 1st-Round Pick

If the Cowboys trade rising star George Pickens before the deadline, they could land first-round draft capital to rebuild their defense, while re-signing Javonte Williams keeps their offense elite.

Dallas’ Surplus of Firepower

The Dallas Cowboys have a rare problem most NFL teams envy — too much offensive talent.

With CeeDee Lamb entrenched as one of the league’s premier wideouts and George Pickens quickly emerging as a top-10 receiver in his own right, the Cowboys have two legitimate No. 1 targets on the roster.

But with multiple extensions looming and holes on defense that can’t be ignored, the front office could face a tough business decision before the trade deadline:
Should Dallas cash in on Pickens while his value is at its peak?

The logic isn’t about giving up talent — it’s about capitalizing on it.

Why George Pickens Could Command a First-Round Pick

At just 24 years old, Pickens is under team control on his rookie contract, which makes him one of the most valuable trade assets in the league.

He’s a young, ascending receiver who wins at all three levels — contested catches, deep separation, and yards after the catch.

According to Fox Sports’ breakdown of 11 major wide-receiver trades, established receivers like A.J. Brown, Tyreek Hill, and Stefon Diggs each fetched first-round compensation when an extension was part of the deal.

That’s exactly where Pickens’ market could land. If a team agrees to terms on a long-term deal prior to the trade, the Cowboys could reasonably expect a first-round pick in return — or, at minimum, a strong Day 2 package.

If Dallas played the market right — especially with contenders like Kansas City, Buffalo, or Baltimore needing receiver help — they could walk away with draft flexibility that reshapes their future.

CeeDee Lamb Makes the Move Feasible

The reason Dallas can even consider this? CeeDee Lamb. He’s one of the NFL’s most complete receivers, capable of carrying an entire passing attack. His route precision and yards-after-catch ability make him the offensive centerpiece.

With Lamb leading the way — and Dak Prescott delivering at an MVP-caliber pace — Dallas could pivot to a more balanced, efficient offense without losing its explosive edge.

Re-Signing Javonte Williams: The Key to Staying Top-Five

If George Pickens becomes the Cowboys’ most valuable trade chip, Javonte Williams becomes the team’s most important re-signing.

Williams has given Dallas the downhill running presence they’ve lacked since Ezekiel Elliott’s prime. His blend of power and elusiveness has balanced the offense and protected Prescott from heavy drop-back volume.

Re-signing Williams ensures:

• Offensive continuity: His running style perfectly complements Lamb’s big-play threat.

• Cap balance: Trading Pickens creates the space to extend Williams and maintain offensive depth.

• Play-action leverage: Williams’ efficiency fuels one of the league’s best play-action games, sustaining Dallas’ top-five offensive ranking.

With Lamb, Williams, Ferguson, and Dak running Mike McCarthy’s rhythm-based system, the Cowboys can stay elite even after moving a star receiver.

How the Cowboys Could Use the Draft Capital to Build a Defense

Dallas’ defense has underwhelmed this season, struggling to pressure quarterbacks and stop the run. A Pickens trade could deliver the draft ammunition to fix that.

Key Defensive Targets (Using Pickens’ Draft Return)

• Edge Rusher: To pair with James Houston and Osa Odighizuwa, giving Dallas multiple pass-rush lanes.

• Cornerback: Depth behind Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland remains a need; another Day 2 pick could land a plug-and-play starter.

• Interior Defensive Line: Reinforcing run fits would transform the front seven overnight.

• Hybrid Linebacker: Adding a coverage-capable linebacker fits the modern defensive template.

Using one high pick and one mid-rounder on defensive rebuilds could swing Dallas back toward balance — the same formula San Francisco and Baltimore have ridden to long-term success.

The Blueprint for Balance

This isn’t a teardown. It’s team-building with foresight.

The Cowboys could trade George Pickens at peak value — potentially landing a first-round pick — and reinvest in their defense while still fielding a top-five offense led by CeeDee Lamb, Dak Prescott, and Javonte Williams.

Unlike the Eagles or Bills, who acquired their superstar receivers through bold trades, Dallas would be the team selling high — flipping a young star for foundational draft capital while already possessing a No. 1 receiver in-house.

It’s the kind of move that separates a team chasing a playoff spot from one building a championship window.

If done correctly, trading Pickens could become the rare deal where both sides win — and the Cowboys come out more dangerous.