Cowboys roster review by position: Wide receivers
It’s no secret that the Dallas Cowboys have a high-flying offense. With a healthy Dak Prescott at the controls, Dallas routinely can put up points with the best teams in the league and have enough firepower to play in shootouts. That’s because at receiver, the Cowboys arguably have the best duo in the NFL. Whether that is for the long haul remains to be seen.
Furthermore, the Cowboys may have a player who is rising after a somewhat breakout season in 2025. Beyond that, the Cowboys have pretty good depth at wide receiver. Here’s how the Cowboys shake out with the receiving options.
CeeDee Lamb
Since being drafted by the Cowboys in 2020, CeeDee Lamb has broken multiple records in franchise history. In 2023, Lamb set a new record for single-season receptions (135), single-season receiving yards (1,749), single-game receptions (14), and most 100+ yard receiving games in a season (7). When you watch him play, it’s not a mystery how he is able to fill up the stat sheet. He can play practically any position on the field, whether that be outside the numbers, inside the slot, or sometimes, coming out of the backfield.
He has the qualities you want in a wide receiver. He’s tough enough and willing to go over the middle in traffic, he’ll extend and catch passes outside of his frame, and he can also get over the top of defensive backs with his deceptive speed. The only negative thing about Lamb is the occasional frustration he exhibits at an inopportune time or when he is having an episode of drops.
Lamb had two crucial drops against the Philadelphia Eagles on opening night last year. Had he come up with those catches the Cowboys likely win the game. However, that’s a slight bump in the road for as great as he is. When all things are working in his favor, he’s an elite option. As a terrific route runner, Lamb creates separation whether he’s inside or outside the numbers. His skills as an underneath route runner are the perfect complement to his other counterpart.
George Pickens
After the 2024 season, the Cowboys were aiming to improve the receiver position and find someone to play alongside CeeDee Lamb. Lamb was drawing a lot of attention from opposing defenses, and teams were bracketing him often to prevent him from impacting games. Dallas first tried to make a play at Baltimore Ravens’ wide receiver Rashod Bateman, but to no avail. Dallas changed course and acquired George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers. The moved turned out to be a steal as Pickens as he caught 93 passes for 1,493 yards and nine touchdowns for the Cowboys. For his efforts, Pickens was named as a second-team All-Pro.
Pickens’ ability to change the game with vertical passing had a positive impact by creating space for CeeDee Lamb on underneath targets. His vertical speed and unreal body control make him a nightmare to stop on go routes. 50/50 balls are more like 75/25 when the balls are in his large catch radius. Opposing defenders know this, and because of it, he often draws defensive pass interference penalties. Pickens is also effective after the catch.
The multimillion-dollar elephant in the room is what the Cowboys will do with his contract. Pickens was tagged with the non-exclusive franchise tag, meaning Pickens can negotiate with other teams, and the Cowboys have the option to match whatever offer he receives or let Pickens leave in exchange for draft compensation. Preferably, you’d like to keep Pickens for years to come, as he seems to fit so well within the offense. Yet, having two of the highest-paid receivers in the NFL on the same roster allocates a lot of money to one position.
Ryan Flournoy
Ryan Flournoy turned some heads last season. The former Southeast Missouri State receiver had 40 catches for 475 yards last season. As the year went on, Flournoy wrestled the number three receiver job away from Jalen Tolbert. With Tolbert now in Miami, Flournoy is set to be the third receiver unopposed. He’s got a way to go, but he has flashed when given extensive opportunities. In week five against the New York Jets, Flournoy exploded for six catches for 114 yards on nine targets.
He had another 100-yard game against the Detroit Lions. Flournoy is a shade below 6’1”, but is a willing blocker when asked. He also has very good speed, especially when running routes laterally across the field. In a potent offense such as this, don’t be surprised if Flournoy is somewhere in the 750-yard mark by season’s end.
KaVontae Turpin
KaVontae Turpin is primarily the team’s return specialist. The Cowboys have tried to involve him in the offense, but it seems he’s more of an occasional option than a reliable third receiver. However, if schemed properly, he can use his speed to make game-changing plays as he did last season on Christmas against the Washington Commanders. Turpin can also contribute as a gadget player with misdirection or on jet sweeps. He may also line up at tailback for a carry or two. Still, it does appear that the days of the team seriously considering him in a bigger capacity in the offense have come and gone.
Jonathan Mingo
At this stage, Jonathan Mingo is no more than depth for Dallas. That may seem disappointing after the Cowboys traded a fourth-round pick to get him. Still, that’s also a testament to how fast the position is improving for the Cowboys since making the trade for Mingo in 2024. Mingo is a big-bodied receiver with a physical mentality after the catch, who looks to run through contact versus getting out of bounds. Although he can track the ball well, he doesn’t play up to his timed speed, and he’s more of a possession receiver than anything else, which can move the sticks. For a fourth or fifth receiver, you could do a lot worse than Jonathan Mingo.
Other options
Parris Campbell
Traeshon Holden
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