Cowboys receiver could ditch Dallas to Join Ravens, Lamar Jackson

A Cowboys Wide Receiver Might Leave Dallas to Join the Ravens: The Lamar Jackson Factor

In a league full of high-profile roster moves, few rumors have the potential to shake the foundations of an NFL team like one involving a star player changing teams. For the Dallas Cowboys, one such rumor is currently making waves: a key wide receiver may leave Dallas and join the Baltimore Ravens, potentially to form a dynamic new duo with Lamar Jackson. This move has the potential to reshape the future for both teams, and the question on everyone’s mind is whether the Cowboys will allow one of their most important offensive weapons to walk away and join one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the league.

As the 2025 NFL season unfolds, several factors are at play in this ongoing narrative. The Cowboys have long been one of the most recognizable franchises in the league, with their offense centered around the talented Dak Prescott, a star wide receiver group, and an improving defense led by linebacker Micah Parsons. Meanwhile, the Ravens, under the leadership of quarterback Lamar Jackson, are poised to continue their dominance in the AFC. Jackson, whose unique skill set has made him one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in the NFL, is always a threat to lead Baltimore deep into the playoffs. The addition of a key weapon to Jackson’s arsenal in the form of a top-tier wide receiver would elevate the Ravens’ offense to new heights.

This article will explore the potential move of a Cowboys wide receiver to the Ravens, the implications of such a move for both teams, and how Lamar Jackson’s presence could serve as a key factor in attracting one of Dallas’ top receivers to Baltimore.

1. The Cowboys’ Receiving Corps: A Look at Key Players

The Dallas Cowboys have long boasted one of the most talented receiving corps in the NFL. With Dak Prescott at the helm, the Cowboys’ passing attack has consistently ranked among the league’s best. The team has several key contributors in its wide receiver group, each bringing their own unique skill set to the field. Among the most notable players are CeeDee Lamb, Michael Gallup, and Brandin Cooks.

• CeeDee Lamb: As the clear No. 1 receiver for the Cowboys, Lamb has emerged as one of the most dynamic playmakers in the league. Known for his impressive route running, exceptional ball skills, and ability to make big plays, Lamb is the centerpiece of the Cowboys’ receiving game. Over the past few seasons, he has developed into one of the premier wide receivers in the NFL, and his performance in 2025 has continued to solidify his status as a top-tier talent.
• Michael Gallup: After overcoming some injury setbacks in the previous seasons, Gallup has shown flashes of brilliance. A big-bodied receiver with solid speed, Gallup has proven to be a reliable target for Prescott, especially in critical moments. While he has sometimes been overshadowed by Lamb’s breakout seasons, Gallup remains a key contributor to the Cowboys’ passing attack.
• Brandin Cooks: Acquired in a trade with the Houston Texans, Cooks has added speed and veteran leadership to the Cowboys’ receiving unit. Known for his deep-ball threat and ability to stretch defenses, Cooks has been a valuable addition to the Cowboys’ offense. His ability to create separation and make big plays has allowed the Cowboys to keep opposing defenses on their toes.
• Jalen Tolbert: A young receiver with promise, Tolbert has shown potential as a future star. His development will be crucial for the Cowboys as they look to continue building a dynamic offense around Prescott.

Of course, while the receiving group has been solid overall, the potential departure of a key player would be a significant blow to the Cowboys’ passing game. The question becomes: which wide receiver could be the one to leave?

2. The Potential for a Departure: Who Could Leave?

While CeeDee Lamb is the undisputed top option for the Cowboys, the question is whether one of the other receivers, such as Michael Gallup or Brandin Cooks, could leave the team. Both Gallup and Cooks are in contract situations that could make them more vulnerable to departure. Gallup is coming off a contract extension, but there are ongoing discussions about his long-term future with the team. Cooks, meanwhile, is on a shorter-term deal, and his age (having entered the NFL in 2014) and the team’s salary cap situation could make him more likely to move.

The most likely candidate for departure seems to be Michael Gallup. Despite being a key contributor to the Cowboys’ offense, Gallup’s role has been somewhat diminished with the emergence of Lamb as the clear No. 1 receiver. The Cowboys have a deep receiving corps, and with a young receiver like Tolbert also in the mix, Gallup could find himself on the trading block if the Cowboys decide to clear space or reallocate resources elsewhere. Additionally, the Cowboys’ salary cap situation could force them to make difficult decisions, and Gallup’s contract could be a potential target for restructuring or parting ways with.

Should Gallup leave, the most likely destination could be the Baltimore Ravens—and Lamar Jackson.

3. Lamar Jackson and the Ravens: A Match Made in Heaven?

Lamar Jackson is widely regarded as one of the most talented quarterbacks in the NFL, and his ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs has redefined what it means to be a dual-threat quarterback. However, despite his many accolades and MVP award, Jackson has often struggled with a lack of elite receiving options throughout his career. The Ravens have consistently boasted a strong rushing attack, but their passing game has been inconsistent, often due to a lack of reliable wide receivers.

Jackson has excelled in a run-heavy offense, but the Ravens have recognized the need to surround him with more weapons in the passing game. Over the years, the team has made several moves to add playmakers, but none of them have truly been able to elevate the passing attack to the level needed for a Super Bowl run. Players like Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, Sammy Watkins, and Rashod Bateman have had their moments, but the team has been searching for a true No. 1 receiver to complement Jackson’s skills.

Adding a wide receiver like Michael Gallup could be the solution to this problem. Gallup’s ability to stretch the field and make contested catches would give Jackson a reliable deep threat—something the Ravens’ offense has sorely lacked. Gallup’s physicality and ability to go up and get the ball would also allow Jackson to trust that his passes will be caught, even in tight coverage. While Jackson is known for his ability to create plays with his legs, adding a receiver with Gallup’s skill set would help make the Ravens’ offense even more dynamic.

In addition, Gallup’s familiarity with a high-powered offense in Dallas would make him a seamless fit in Baltimore’s system. He has played in an offense that has relied on both short and deep passes, so integrating him into the Ravens’ system would be relatively easy.

4. The Fit: How Gallup Can Elevate the Ravens

If Gallup were to leave the Cowboys and join the Ravens, the impact would be immediate. The fit between Gallup and Jackson would create a dynamic one-two punch for the Ravens’ offense. Here’s how Gallup could elevate the Ravens’ attack:

• Field Stretching Ability: Gallup’s speed and deep-ball ability would provide Lamar Jackson with a true vertical threat. With his size and route-running ability, Gallup could stretch defenses and force them to account for him over the top, which in turn would open up opportunities for other receivers and tight ends in the short-to-intermediate game. Jackson’s deep ball is often unpredictable, but Gallup’s ability to track and catch passes downfield would give him a dependable target.
• Red Zone Threat: Gallup’s physicality and ability to win jump balls would also make him an asset in the red zone. The Ravens’ offense has often struggled to convert in scoring situations, but adding a reliable wide receiver with Gallup’s skills would provide Jackson with a much-needed target in tight spaces. Gallup’s ability to outmuscle defenders for contested catches could be a game-changer for Baltimore’s red-zone efficiency.
• Mentorship for Young Receivers: While Gallup would bring instant value to the Ravens’ offense, his veteran presence could also benefit the team’s younger receivers, such as Rashod Bateman. Gallup’s experience and leadership could help guide Bateman and other young pass-catchers in developing their skills, which would only make the Ravens’ offense stronger in the long term.
• A Balanced Offense: Lamar Jackson thrives when the Ravens have a balanced offensive attack. The addition of a receiver like Gallup would make Baltimore less predictable, allowing them to mix in more passing plays and keep opposing defenses on their toes. With Gallup on the field, Jackson would have more freedom to attack defenses both through the air and on the ground, making the Ravens even more difficult to defend.

5. The Impact on the Cowboys

If Gallup were to leave the Cowboys and join the Ravens, the impact on Dallas’ offense would be significant. The Cowboys have relied heavily on Gallup as a complementary piece alongside CeeDee Lamb. Losing Gallup’s deep-ball threat and physicality would place even more pressure on Lamb to be the team’s sole primary receiver. While Lamb is certainly capable of handling that responsibility, the Cowboys’ passing attack would become less balanced without Gallup’s presence.

The Cowboys would likely have to rely more on Brandin Cooks to stretch the field, but Cooks’ skill set is different from Gallup’s. Cooks is more of a speedster, and while he is excellent at running precise routes and creating separation, he doesn’t have the same physicality as Gallup. In addition, younger receivers like Jalen Tolbert would need to step up and fill the void left by Gallup, which could be a lot to ask of a young player still developing.

In the short term, the Cowboys would likely look for other ways to compensate for Gallup’s departure, either through a trade or free-agent signing. However, losing Gallup would still be a blow to the offense, as the team would lose a valuable and versatile weapon in their receiving corps.