The Dallas Cowboys are constantly trying to build a stronger offense around Dak Prescott. Unfortunately for them, the Baltimore Ravens and Lamar Jackson prevented the NFC East squad from adding an elite wide receiver this offseason.
In recent years, the Cowboys’ front office has made multiple attempts to provide Dak Prescott with more weapons. However, those efforts have largely fallen short, and success continues to elude the Lone Star franchise.
One of the main issues has been the lack of a reliable WR2 to support CeeDee Lamb. While the team acquired George Pickens this offseason, it appears he was not their first option.
Ravens wide receiver reveals he nearly joined the Cowboys this offseason
The Cowboys have long sought to ease the burden on Dak Prescott by giving him more receiving options. CeeDee Lamb has been the clear No. 1 target, but he can’t do it all alone—especially under the kind of pressure he faced last season.
see also
Eagles’ Saquon Barkley’s brutal reveal about Cowboys, Commanders
Lamb suffered an injury late in the 2024 campaign due to the heavy workload he carried. As a result, Dallas made it a priority to find a wide receiver who could help reduce some of that pressure.
In their search for a WR2, the Cowboys found the Steelers willing to trade George Pickens, who they acquired in exchange for third- and fifth-round picks. However, it seems Jerry Jones originally had someone else in mind.
Earlier this year, reports suggested that the Ravens and Rashod Bateman were open to parting ways. The Cowboys were in the mix, according to the wide receiver, but Bateman ultimately stayed in Baltimore to play alongside Lamar Jackson, signing a 3-year, $36 million extension.
Rashod Bateman #7 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on against the Washington Commanders during the second half of a preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 27, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland.
“That’s the first thing I told him (GM Eric DeCosta): I don’t want to go anywhere else. ‘I know you’ve got a lot of stuff to work through and we’ll figure it out when we figure it out,’” Bateman said, via Jeff Zrebiec of TheAthletic.com. “It took time, but it takes time with a lot of people’s contracts. He had a lot of contracts to get done, and maybe more to get done in the future. To be a priority for him in that way is important. He shows he values me.”
“I went through a lot of things with the Cowboys and all of that with my contract,” Bateman said, per The Athletic. “There was a time when I didn’t know what was going to happen. (The Cowboys talks) were a thing, for sure. It was a possibility. I don’t want to deny that.”
Rashod Bateman earned his extension with the Ravens
When rumors emerged that Baltimore might move on from Rashod Bateman, many were surprised. The former 27th overall pick was coming off his best season yet, and the Ravens quickly realized it didn’t make sense to let him go.
see also
Cowboys icon sends strong warning to the NFL about CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens
In 2024, Bateman recorded 72 receptions for 756 yards and nine touchdowns—strong numbers that secured his new contract. His growing partnership with Zay Flowers is expected to be a key asset for Lamar Jackson this upcoming season.
SurveyWho is a better wide receiver?
Who is a better wide receiver?
already voted 0 people
