ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky publicly speculated that Dallas could trade Pickens for a second-round pick and then draft a replacement receiver with that asset. Dallas currently holds two first-round selections, No. 12 and No. 20, which could give the front office multiple paths to address the position.
Losing Pickens would be a significant setback for the Cowboys’ offense. Last season, he delivered a breakout year after joining Dallas, underscoring his potential as a legitimate No. 1 wideout.
However, the financial realities are real. Dallas may not be willing to meet Pickens’ contract demands while also committing top-tier money to CeeDee Lamb, creating a challenging cap scenario.
If Dallas moves on, trading Pickens for value and drafting a receiver to fill the void is one plausible route, especially given the draft capital at hand. Still, replacing the production from a 93-catch, 1,429-yard season would be difficult.
Ultimately, Pickens remains a top trade candidate heading into the 2026 draft, and Dallas will need to balance immediate roster needs with long-term cap considerations as the offseason unfolds.
