CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens could force Cowboys into franchise-altering choice

CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens could force the Dallas Cowboys into a franchise-altering decision, according to executive vice president Stephen Jones. The duo has formed one of the NFL’s most formidable receiving pairs, providing quarterback Dak Prescott with two legitimate No. 1 options. However, Jones warned that keeping this dynamic duo together beyond 2026 could lead to a significant financial dilemma.

"I don’t know of any teams that really can pay two top receivers top of the market," Jones acknowledged on the DLLS Cowboys podcast. The Cowboys currently have Lamb on a $34 million contract for the next three years, while Pickens is under a $27.298 million franchise tag for the 2026 season. The team wants Pickens to deliver consecutive productive seasons before committing to a long-term deal.

If Pickens repeats his elite performance, his asking price could reach similar heights. Dallas is currently focused on capitalizing on its current championship window, with Prescott using Lamb and Pickens on the outside and tight end Jake Ferguson as an additional target. Ryan Flournoy provides further depth to the receiving corps.

Despite the enticing combination on the field, the financial implications of locking in both top receivers for the long term could be a daunting challenge for the Cowboys.