The Dallas Cowboys have a handful of pressing needs ahead of the 2025 NFL draft. Although fans would love to see the defensive line upgrade or a high-impact runner added to the backfield, a good chunk of the Cowboys want to see another legitimate playmaker added to quarterback Dak Prescott's arsenal next week.
CeeDee Lamb is one of the NFL's best wideouts, but he clearly can't carry the aerial offense by himself. The Cowboys have an opening for a new WR2 following Brandin Cooks' offseason exit, and America's Team now has the perfect opportunity to fill that void following the latest rumors stemming from the Motor City.
On Monday, A to Z Sports' Mike Payton reported that he would "not be shocked if the (Detroit) Lions traded Jameson Williams during the 2025 NFL draft." Between Williams' off-field history and the unlikelihood of an extension coming soon, the Lions could be ready to deal the 1,000-yard playmaker.
Assuming that Williams is available, the Cowboys must call the Lions immediately to pull off the following mock trade.
Cowboys Acquire WR Jameson Williams From Lions in Projected Blockbuster Trade
In this projected trade, the Cowboys would be acquiring Williams and a 2025 fourth-round pick (No. 130) from the Lions in exchange for the former's first-round selection (No. 12).
Parting with a first-round pick is never easy, but that's the price that has to be paid to land a player of Williams' caliber. The downfield threat is coming off a productive third year that saw him finish with career highs in receptions (58), receiving yards (1,001), and touchdowns (7) while also earning the 31st-best offensive (74.5) and receiving (75.1) grades on Pro Football Focus.
Williams was also drafted 12th overall in 2022, which is only two spots ahead of where the Cowboys will be drafting from in Round 1 next week. It could be in Jerry Jones & Co.'s best interest to use that pick to acquire a proven commodity like Williams rather than spend the next few seasons trying to develop a prospect who might not pan out.
With Prescott under center, a Lamb-Williams tandem could terrorize opposing defenses in 2025 and beyond. After all, the former Ohio State stud is still under contract for the next season with his fifth-year option still available, making him more than a one-and-done target.
As Super Bowl contenders, the Lions will want at least one first-rounder in return, especially if they're looking for an NFL-ready player. Having a second opening-round pick at their disposal also opens the door for Detroit general manager Brad Holmes to get creative with his draft plans. The fourth-rounder would then make up for any experience difference between Williams and the eventual 12th-overall pick.
At the end of the day, a trade with the Lions is likely the Cowboys' best path to adding an impactful playmaker before the 2025 season begins. Considering how much Williams' downfield talents could open up Dallas' offense, Jones must contact Holmes before heading to Green Bay next week.