The Dallas Cowboys had a wide-ranging draft strategy this past weekend. Dallas exited the draft with four offensive players (two offensive linemen and two running backs) and five defenders (three defensive linemen, one cornerback, and a linebacker). After witnessing the division rival Philadelphia Eagles dominate in the trenches last season, every fan can get behind taking two offensive linemen.
However, selecting two running backs after signing two in free agency is baffling. This is particularly true given the Cowboys' need at wide receiver. While the talent left at receiver may not have been great, taking a dart throw at the position would have been better than drafting two players who play the same position.
That said, a new report has surfaced that the Cowboys were trying to acquire a receiver via trade before the NFL draft. According to ESPN's Todd Archer: "Leading up to the draft, the Cowboys had discussions with an AFC North team regarding a veteran wide receiver, but nothing came to fruition."
Although Archer doesn't explicitly state who the player is, there was one team that reportedly had conversations with others about trading a receiver.
It looks like the #Cowboys were trying to trade for a wide receiver before the draft:
— Brandon Loree (@Brandoniswrite) April 27, 2025
“Leading up to the draft, the Cowboys had discussions with an AFC North team regarding a veteran wide receiver, but nothing came to fruition…”
I wonder who?#DallasCowboys https://t.co/oytawGpQaK
Cowboys Reportedly Were Looking to Trade for a Wide Receiver Before the 2025 NFL Draft
Last week, Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports reported that the Pittsburgh Steelers were having discussions about trading George Pickens. Though Schultz added that the Steelers weren't actively shopping Pickens, Dallas is likely one of the teams that called about him. Seeing as the Cowboys need a complement to CeeDee Lamb, forgoing a call about Pickens would be illogical.
In three seasons, Pickens has recorded 174 receptions on 293 targets for 2,841 yards and 12 touchdowns. While his temperament issues are a problem, he has immense talent that Dallas needs in its receiving game.
Even so, it is not confirmed that they were even calling about Pickens. For all we know, Dallas could have called the Cleveland Browns about David Bell.
Even though Dallas's efforts to add a receiver via trade failed before the draft, they still have time to try and get a deal done before the regular season starts.