NFL Trade Rumors: Cowboys Pushed Hard To Acquire Ravens Wide Receiver

May 14, 2025 ,
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman celebrates after scoring touchdown during 2025 game.

Before the Dallas Cowboys landed wide receiver George Pickens in a deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, they reportedly had their sights set on a different AFC North target—Baltimore Ravens wideout Rashod Bateman. 

According to Fox Sports insider Jordan Schultz, Dallas made an effort to acquire Bateman as part of their months-long pursuit for a dynamic receiver to pair with CeeDee Lamb. Talks between the Cowboys and Ravens, however, “didn’t go far” and never materialized into anything serious.

Cowboys Explored Trade for Ravens' Rashod Bateman Before Landing Pickens

The Cowboys ultimately turned their attention to Pickens, whom they acquired in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-rounder, getting a 2027 sixth back in return. But their interest in Bateman offers a glimpse into how deliberate and wide-reaching Dallas' search was. Bateman was coming off a career-best season with the Ravens, posting 756 yards and nine touchdowns on just 45 receptions—production that made him an appealing option for several teams, not just Dallas.

Baltimore, however, wasn’t interested in parting ways with Bateman. The former first-round pick is under contract through 2026 and seems to be hitting his stride, forming a promising trio alongside Zay Flowers and DeAndre Hopkins in Lamar Jackson’s offense. 

While Bateman hasn’t topped 800 receiving yards in a season yet, his nine-touchdown performance in 2024 suggests he’s carving out a significant role. For Dallas, the pursuit of Bateman fell short—but it confirms the team was active behind the scenes long before making the Pickens trade official.

Photo Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images 

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