4 Trade Packages for CeeDee Lamb That Cowboys Couldn't Deny amid NFL Holdout
On the brink of the option year to wrap up his rookie contract with the Dallas Cowboys, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is officially a holdout.
The 25-year-old All-Pro reportedly did not appear at the start of the team's mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, causing many to wonder if his days might be numbered within an organization that is already significantly on the hook for quarterback Dak Prescott's upcoming walk year.
That remains far-fetched, but wilder things happen in this league every year.
With that in mind, let's look at a handful of hypothetical offers the Cowboys would have difficulty turning down.
New England Patriots: WR Ja'Lynn Polk and a 1st-Round Pick
1 of 4
The Patriots just used a high second-round pick on Polk, who scored nine touchdowns last season at Washington. But if they see an opportunity to upgrade massively in support of rookie Drake Maye, a quick flip could be in the cards.
Of course, they'd have to throw in a first-round pick because elite receivers are such hot commodities right now. Tyreek Hill commanded a first, a second, two fourths and a sixth pick before also getting his bag from the Dolphins two years ago. This shouldn't be far off of that.
This deal would allow Dallas raise a bunch of salary-cap space and draft capital while still landing a high-ceiling receiver, with the bonus of Lamb leaving the conference and joining a non-contender.
Los Angeles Chargers: WR Ladd McConkey and a 1st-Rounder
2 of 4
Same principle as above, with another high second-round rookie jumping quickly to another team, as the Cowboys get Lamb out of the division.
In this case, it would be a chance for Jim Harbaugh and Co. to maximize their support for Justin Herbert at a critical juncture of his career. And like New England, the Los Angeles Chargers have the cap space while also not being considered a primary contender.
Dallas would struggle to turn down the immediate cap savings and the significant 2025 draft capital influx, especially with a bright young receiver in Ladd McConkey coming back to try to strike gold with Dak Prescott.
Pittsburgh Steelers: WR George Pickens and 2nd-Round Pick
3 of 4
Unlike the rookie receivers already mentioned, George Pickens is established in the NFL despite being just 23. Still, the Steelers could opt to maximize their weapons for Russell Wilson and Justin Fields.
Because Pickens is coming off a 1,000-yard sophomore season, this would be slightly closer to a player-for-player deal, with Dallas saving money and gaining some draft capital and Pittsburgh doing everything in its power to get this right.
This move makes quite a lot of sense considering the Steelers are in better cap shape than the Cowboys.
.jpg?w=256)
.jpg?w=256 "Texans Giants Football")
Green Bay Packers: Romeo Doubs or Christian Watson, Jayden Reed and 2nd-Rounder
4 of 4
The Green Bay Packers have a lot of good, though not great or well-established receivers. But in a huge year for Jordan Love and Co., the team might want to go bold with Lamb and sacrifice two of them because they've established the depth necessary to afford that swap.
Essentially, they have become top-heavy.
In this case, we're presenting the idea of Dallas landing one primary slot guy to more directly replace Lamb (Jayden Reed) along with one of two talented but generally disappointing outside figures.
All come cheap right now, and the Cowboys would be foolish to turn away from them as well as some Day 2 draft capital ahead of such an odd-looking season.
.jpg?w=480)
.jpg?w=480 "Texans Giants Football")
.jpg?w=600 "Full Bryce Young Trade Return 🔁")
.jpg?w=600 "Steelers Draft Pittsburgh Native")