When the Baltimore Ravens acquired DeAndre Hopkins a year ago, it looked like they had finally landed a legitimate big-play wide receiver on the perimeter, albeit one in the winter of his career. Unfortunately, things didn’t play out as expected, so the Ravens are urged to consider trading for Dallas Cowboys star George Pickens, in a scenario involving two picks in the 2026 NFL draft, including Baltimore’s first-rounder.
The scenario is mapped out by NFL.com Fantasy Content writer Matt Okada. He has the Ravens giving up the 14th-overall pick in the opening round, along with sending a fourth-round choice, the 115th selection, to the Cowboys for Pickens.
As Okada put it, “After an exceptional 2025 season, the Cowboys franchise tagged George Pickens and have until July 15 to reach a long-term deal. However, if Pickens expects more than Jerry Jones and Co. are willing to pay, it’s possible the team could move him for a far better return than they sent to acquire him last May. Something like … the 14th-overall pick? From a Ravens franchise that always seems one piece away from a run and needs a true No. 1 receiver? If negotiations stall in Dallas, this could be a win-win-win for everyone involved.”
There’s merit to this trade scenario, despite two prime picks being a lot to give up. Fortunately, Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta has three compelling reasons to make this deal happen and replace 33-year-old free agent Hopkins with an upgrade.
Ravens Can Justify George Pickens Trade
This isn’t the first time the Ravens have been touted as a trade destination for Pickens, and for good reason. The 25-year-old is still only approaching his prime, not past it like Hopkins was entering last season.
Pickens is also a dynamic and prolific vertical playmaker. His ability to take the top off coverage at any moment was evidenced by this 43-yard touchdown grab against the New York Jets back in October.
The sudden strike was just one of his 22 deep targets last season, per Player Profiler. Pickens also covered 950 of his 1,429 receiving yards before the catch, according to Pro Football Reference.
New Ravens offensive coordinator Declan Doyle needs a receiver who can stretch the field this effectively. Doyle could reasonably expect DeCosta to make this move happen, since the GM is armed with plenty of trade bait, in the form of 11 draft picks.
This is also widely considered an underwhelming rookie class, so the Ravens could justify moving out of the first round in exchange for an established Pro Bowler. One who hasn’t exactly dismissed the idea he could be traded, even though the Cowboys are yet to receive any offers.
What Doyle doesn’t need is for DeCosta and the Ravens to attempt to solve their receiver problem by signing yet another ageing former superstar.
DeAndre Hopkins Plan Has to Change
Signing Hopkins was simply the latest attempt by the Ravens to get the last glimpses of elite play from a once-elite receiver. It didn’t work with the 13-year veteran, just like the strategy failed to pay off after the Ravens brought in Odell Beckham Jr. in 2023.
The Ravens need to gamble more on upside. Like the upward trajectory Pickens appears to be on after earning a career-first Pro Bowl berth.
Risks are still apparent concerning the ex-Pittsburgh Steelers wideout, who has been accused of a lack of effort in the past. He’s also been guilty of dropping his share of passes.
Nobody doubts Pickens’ ability to produce big plays when at his best, so he remains a viable fit to help Ravens franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson elevate his game in a new offense.
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