The Las Vegas Raiders are exploring options to strengthen their receiving corps, seeking a reliable No. 1 wide receiver to complement potential draft pick Fernando Mendoza. Recent trade speculation suggests the Raiders might exchange star pass rusher Maxx Crosby to acquire a young wideout with promising potential like George Pickens.
On February 20, ESPN insiders highlighted a possible high-profile trade proposal involving Crosby and Pickens between the Raiders and the Dallas Cowboys. Dan Graziano outlined a scenario where the Raiders would receive Pickens along with a 2026 first-round selection, while Dallas would obtain Crosby and a 2026 second-round pick.
Trade Proposal Details and Team Fits According to Experts
According to Graziano’s analysis, the Cowboys face challenges in retaining Pickens under a long-term deal and might avoid franchise-tagging him due to the complications seen last year with Micah Parsons.
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 (as it did last year with edge rusher Micah Parsons),
Dan Graziano wrote.
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.
Meanwhile, the Raiders are positioned to afford Pickens’ contract demands more comfortably.
The Raiders would have to sign Pickens long-term, but they’re not already paying CeeDee Lamb top-three WR money, as the Cowboys are,
Graziano added.
“Pickens fits better into Las Vegas’ budget than he does into Dallas’ roster.”
Age differences between the players also align with the Raiders’ timeline, as Pickens will turn 25 in March, matching well with the team’s rebuilding direction that features young talents like Ashton Jeanty, Brock Bowers, and future draft prospects including Mendoza.
Chad Johnson Supports the Idea of Pickens Joining the Raiders
Former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson has publicly endorsed the possibility of Pickens moving to Las Vegas while also recognizing Crosby’s trade value. Johnson emphasized that Pickens thrives when positioned as a team’s primary receiver rather than sharing targets.
One move I’ve talked about almost all season long: George Pickens,
Johnson said in an interview on February 12. “I would love for George Pickens to have a move. A lot of Dallas Cowboys fans are somewhat delusional and also selfish, wanting to keep George Pickens there when you already have CeeDee Lamb.
“Listen, coming from a great offense, you saw a small sample size of what George Pickens could do, but he needs to be a No. 1 on his own team, and also maximize his value while he can get it now.
“Don’t give Dallas a discount. They’re going to use certain things against you and diminish your value. Allow him to go to the Las Vegas Raiders, new coach Klint Kubiak, [Fernando] Mendoza getting drafted, going to be No. 1.
Look at all the pieces you can get. Look at all the pieces you can get to build a winning team in trading Maxx Crosby, while his value is extremely high to the Cowboys, problem solved. I don’t want to hear any excuses.
Potential Impact of the Trade on Raiders’ Roster and Future
Acquiring George Pickens would provide the Raiders with a young, emerging talent capable of stepping into a No. 1 receiver role, addressing a significant team need. Meanwhile, trading Maxx Crosby could help the organization leverage his current high market value to secure valuable draft capital and align payroll with their rebuilding strategy.
As the Raiders evaluate their options, the trade scenario involving Pickens and Crosby remains a key topic among analysts, with potential implications for both teams’ roster construction and salary cap management. Moving forward, the Raiders’ decisions could reshape their offensive capabilities and influence their competitive outlook in upcoming seasons.
"He needs to be a number one on his own team"
@OchoCinco wants Pickens to leave Dallas, get the payday he deserves, and potentially find a new home with the Raiders pic.twitter.com/enqrllxpSi— Inside the NFL (@insidetheNFL) February 12, 2026
