The Dallas Cowboys face a significant dilemma this offseason, as George Pickens’ future with the team remains uncertain after receiving the franchise tag. Several analysts believe Pickens could walk in free agency next offseason, while others expect Dallas to trade him in an effort to recoup value.
Now, one NFL insider discussed a different scenario entirely, claiming the Cowboys could move on from $136 million superstar CeeDee Lamb and instead commit to Pickens as their long-term WR1.
NFL Insider Claims Cowboys Could Part Ways With CeeDee Lamb
On his Sports Illustrated show, “The Breer Report,” NFL insider Albert Breer addressed how Pickens’ contract talks could impact Lamb’s future in Dallas. After a listener mentioned the narrative that it may be tough for the Cowboys to keep both Pickens and Lamb long-term, they asked whether Pickens could be the No. 1 in 2027 rather than Lamb.
“No, but I could see that in 2028,” Breer responded. “If Pickens becomes a top-of-the-food-chain receiver, like it looked like he was becoming last year… then I think the Cowboys have, you know, a good dilemma on their hands… But if they were going to pay him at that level, now I think you have a little bit of an issue with CeeDee Lamb, because CeeDee Lamb has been your number one…
“And the reality is, the deal that CeeDee Lamb did in 2024, most of the guaranteed money is done after this year. I believe he’s got $7 million guaranteed after this year, in 2027. So if you pay George Pickens at the highest level and now you have CeeDee Lamb coming back and there’s not much guaranteed money left on his contract, does he make noise about that? Does that become a problem?
“I don’t see a scenario where CeeDee Lamb won’t be on the roster in ’27, I think he’s probably still there. But signing Pickens could be with the idea that you’re eventually going to move from Lamb to Pickens. And Lamb’s been a great player for them. I think Pickens probably has a little bit of a higher ceiling, but again, that’s a good problem for the Cowboys to have.”
When the two star receivers were healthy and lined up alongside each other, Pickens arguably outperformed Lamb. Across the 14 games where the duo played together, Lamb hauled in 75 receptions for 1,077 yards and 3 touchdowns while Pickens recorded 74 catches for 1,070 yards and 5 touchdowns. When Lamb missed time with an injury, Pickens stepped up and added 19 receptions for 359 yards and 4 touchdowns.
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Pickens ultimately finished the season with 93 catches for 1,429 yards and 9 touchdowns (all career-highs).
According to PFSN’s WR Impact metric, Pickens ranked No. 3 in 2026 behind only Los Angeles Rams superstar Puka Nacua and Seattle Seahawks superstar Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Meanwhile, Lamb ranked No. 14.
Ultimately, as Breer noted, the decision will come down to money and Pickens’ growth, both on and off the field. Time will tell what Jerry Jones and the Cowboys’ front office will do, but for now, Dallas fans can enjoy another season with one of the league’s most talented wide-receiver duos.
