The Las Vegas Raiders are mired in yet another disappointing season in 2025, grappling with a persistent talent deficit despite a significant offseason roster overhaul. As the November 4 trade deadline approaches, the franchise faces critical decisions about its future direction. With the team struggling, trading away key players for draft picks seems increasingly likely, and wide receiver Jakobi Meyers has been a frequent name in trade discussions due to his ongoing contractual dispute. However, a surprising report from Trey Wingo on Tuesday revealed that the Dallas Cowboys have expressed interest in acquiring the Raiders’ star defensive end, Maxx Crosby. While trading Crosby would be a bold and risky move for Las Vegas, the Raiders should not even entertain offers unless one specific player is included in the deal: George Pickens.
The Raiders’ offense has been hampered by the absence of a dominant No. 1 wide receiver, even with Meyers on the roster. With Meyers potentially on his way out, the need for an elite pass-catcher becomes even more pressing. A top-flight wide receiver could transform the Raiders’ offense, providing a reliable target to elevate their quarterback play and overall production.
Fortunately, the Dallas Cowboys possess two elite wide receivers: CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. Of the two, Pickens could be considered expendable as the Cowboys look to bolster their defensive line. Dallas traded away star edge rusher Micah Parsons just months ago, leaving a significant gap in their pass rush. Acquiring Crosby, one of the NFL’s premier defensive ends, would address that need, but it would come at a steep cost.
George Pickens, currently in the final year of his rookie contract, has emerged as a star for the Cowboys in the 2025 season. Through seven games, he has recorded an impressive 36 receptions for 607 yards and six touchdowns, showcasing his ability to dominate as a top-tier wide receiver. Despite his production, the Cowboys have yet to extend his contract, making him a potential trade piece.
For the Raiders, Pickens would fill a critical void in their wide receiver room, providing the explosive playmaking ability they’ve lacked. However, while Pickens is a phenomenal talent, he is not on the same level as Maxx Crosby, a cornerstone of the Raiders’ defense and one of the league’s elite edge rushers. To even consider trading Crosby, Las Vegas would need more than just Pickens.
To make a Crosby trade palatable, the Cowboys would need to offer Pickens along with significant draft capital. Specifically, the Raiders should demand at least a first-round pick and a second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft in addition to Pickens. The Cowboys, who acquired extra high-value draft picks in the Parsons trade, are in a position to meet this demand. However, even with Pickens and premium picks, the trade would be a tough pill for Las Vegas to swallow, given Crosby’s immense value to the team.
The Raiders have had poor luck with former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers in the past, which adds an element of caution to any deal involving Pickens, who began his career with Pittsburgh before being traded to Dallas. To mitigate this risk, Las Vegas would need to secure a contract extension for Pickens to ensure long-term stability at the position. Additionally, the Raiders still face other roster deficiencies that would need to be addressed, even with Pickens in the fold.
Trading Maxx Crosby would be a monumental decision for the Raiders, one that could reshape the franchise’s future. While the Cowboys’ interest is intriguing, Las Vegas should not even entertain discussions unless George Pickens is the centerpiece of the deal, accompanied by at least a first- and second-round draft pick. Even then, the Raiders would be parting with a generational talent in Crosby, making this trade a high-stakes gamble. For Jerry Jones and the Cowboys, acquiring Crosby would mean giving up a crown jewel in Pickens and significant draft capital—a price that reflects the immense value of one of the NFL’s best defensive players.