The Dallas Cowboys, one of the most storied franchises in the NFL, are looking to bolster their offensive firepower amid a challenging 2025 season. Following a string of underwhelming performances and mounting pressure from fans, the Cowboys’ coaching staff is exploring options to improve their output, particularly at the wide receiver position. According to a recent report from lifenews.livextop.com, the Cowboys are in discussions with the Detroit Lions regarding a potential trade that could bring in a receiver with an impressive resume: 1,001 receiving yards in a single season. If successful, this trade could reshape the trajectory of both teams for the current season and beyond.
Trade Target: Who Is the 1,001-Yard Receiver?
Based on the information from the report, the targeted receiver is likely one of the Detroit Lions’ top performers. Among the Lions’ roster, Amon-Ra St. Brown, who has surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in recent seasons, stands out as the prime candidate. In the 2023 season, St. Brown recorded 1,515 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the NFL’s elite wide receivers. While the specific figure of “1,001 yards” may be a stylistic reference, St. Brown is the most fitting match for this description.
St. Brown, 25, is a dynamic and agile receiver known for his precise route-running and reliable hands. He has become the primary target for quarterback Jared Goff in the Lions’ offensive system, helping the team reach the playoffs in back-to-back seasons. However, with the Lions potentially looking to restructure their roster to optimize salary cap space and pursue long-term goals, trading a star like St. Brown, though unlikely, is not entirely out of the question.
Trade Details: What Would the Cowboys Have to Give Up?
To acquire a player of St. Brown’s caliber, the Cowboys would need to offer a compelling trade package. Based on recent high-profile NFL trades, the Lions could demand at least a first-round pick in the NFL Draft, along with one or two promising young players from Dallas. Potential assets from the Cowboys that could be included in negotiations include:
Jalen Tolbert: A young wide receiver who has shown flashes of potential but has yet to fully break out in the Cowboys’ system. Sam Williams: A defensive end with speed and pass-rushing ability, who could fit well in the Lions’ defensive front. 2026 First-Round Draft Pick: Given the Cowboys’ competitive standing, this pick may not be a high one, but it would still hold significant value for the Lions.
Additionally, the Cowboys might need to restructure contracts for key players like Dak Prescott or CeeDee Lamb to create enough cap space to accommodate St. Brown, who is currently playing under a rookie contract but will soon command a lucrative extension.
Benefits for Both Teams
For the Cowboys
Bringing in Amon-Ra St. Brown would give the Cowboys a formidable receiving duo alongside CeeDee Lamb, creating a dual threat for opposing defenses. Head coach Mike McCarthy’s offensive system would become more versatile, particularly in situations requiring short and intermediate routes. St. Brown’s ability to play as a slot receiver would add further flexibility to Dallas’ play-calling.
Moreover, St. Brown’s presence could alleviate pressure on Dak Prescott, who has faced significant scrutiny this season. With a more reliable target, Prescott could improve his completion percentage and efficiency in critical moments.
For the Lions
For the Detroit Lions, trading St. Brown, while painful, could yield long-term benefits. A first-round pick and young players from the Cowboys would allow the Lions to rebuild their roster, particularly in defensive areas that need improvement. The Lions could also use the additional draft capital to address other positional needs or secure a high-upside prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft.