The Dallas Cowboys haven't been able to extend George Pickens this offseason, creating questions on whether he'll be there for the long term. He did sign the franchise tag, but Jon Machota of The Athletic expressed he doesn't believe Pickens will be in attendance for offseason workouts, but will be around for training camp.
Of course, things can change, but it doesn't appear that Dallas will extend Pickens. Outside of CeeDee Lamb, the Cowboys' receiver depth could use some work. And that's why they should think about trading for Carolina Panthers receiver Xavier Legette.
Cowboys Should Think About Trading for Panthers WR Xavier Legette
Ben Solak of ESPN has released an article on multiple players on the hot seat following the draft, and he included Legette on the list. Solak pointed out that due to Legette's struggles with drops and the Panthers' drafting receiver Chris Brazzell II, Legette could lose snaps in 2026. While Brazzell II needs to improve as a route runner, if he comes to camp and looks like a Day 1 contributor, Carolina could look to move on from Legette.
And if that's the case, Dallas should kick the tires. The Cowboys have Ryan Flournoy, Jonathan Mingo, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Parris Campbell, KaVontae Turpin, and Tyler Johnson as the depth options going into camp. Despite having multiple bodies there, Legette would have the higher ceiling due to his physical ability.
Listed at 6'1", 221 pounds, he ran a 4.39 40-yard dash at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. During his final season at South Carolina, he was a big play threat, reeling in 1,255 receiving yards (17.7 yards per reception) and seven touchdowns. That caught teams' attention, but he hasn't been able to translate that to the NFL yet.
Through two seasons with the Panthers, Legette has 84 receptions for 860 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. His catches, yards, and touchdowns all decreased from his rookie to sophomore year, and with another receiver in the room, those numbers could continue to take a hit.
Meanwhile, in Dallas, with a better quarterback and offensive infrastructure, Legette could be more productive. With Pickens and Lamb as the 1-2 combo, there's room for WR3 in this offense. Last season, the Cowboys also dealt with Lamb missing time due to an ankle injury, which makes having quality depth more important.
With Pickens' contract situation still unresolved, and the lack of high-end depth at the position, Dallas would be wise to call Charlotte and see what it might cost to acquire Legette. If it's a Day 3 pick, the Cowboys shouldn't hold off on sending that out to land the South Carolina product.
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