After the Dallas Cowboys made noise with their commerce for Pittsburgh Steelers extensive receiver George Pickens in trade for draft picks, we’ve got additionally realized the staff had discussions about one other receiver earlier than the Pickens’ deal was struck.
Sources: Throughout their pursuit of a receiver, the #Cowboys additionally seemed right into a commerce for #Ravens WR Rashod Bateman. These talks didn’t go far, and Dallas in the end struck a post-draft take care of the #Steelers for George Pickens.
Dallas’ seek for one other receiver was a… pic.twitter.com/87QX5rIqcq
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) Could 9, 2025
Though the extent of the Cowboys’ provide is unknown, you’ll be able to assert that the Cowboys obtained the higher participant after conversations that led to nowhere with the Baltimore Ravens. Bateman had a strong marketing campaign in 2024, 45 catches for 756 yards and 9 touchdowns, however he has by no means eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark as Pickens has. A commerce for Bateman wouldn’t have moved the needle the identical means that the acquisition of Pickens has finished. Dallas acquired a participant who can win contested catches, has playmaking potential, and performs with a little bit of an edge, one thing that the Cowboys don’t have on that facet of the ball.
Had Dallas made the commerce for Bateman, they’d have been in a extra versatile spot contractually than they’re with Pickens. Bateman is within the first 12 months of a two-year, $12.8M contract with a wage of $3.75M in 2025. That could be a modest deal, and although Pickens is comparable in value at $3.6M, the additional 12 months of economic management would have helped the Cowboys tremendously as they navigate pending contracts for integral gamers like Micah Parsons, DaRon Bland, and Brandon Aubrey, not to mention Pickens.
