Dallas Cowboys linked to major WR shake-up before 2026 NFL Draft
· Yahoo Sports
The Dallas Cowboys could be heading toward a major wide receiver shake-up ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky believes the front office may soon make a bold call involving George Pickens.
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Speaking on ESPN’s Get Up, Orlovsky pointed to recent comments from executive Stephen Jones as a key signal. “It’s hard to pay two receivers top of the market,” Jones said, a line that raised questions about the future of Pickens alongside CeeDee Lamb.
Orlovsky did not hold back. “No doubt,” he said when asked if a split was coming. He noted Lamb is set to earn $46.2 million in 2027, making it unlikely Dallas commits similar money to Pickens.
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“They’re not paying both CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens top of the market. Stephen Jones just said it,” Orlovsky said. “And so, right now my thought going into tonight with the draft is, if Jordan Tyson, the receiver out of Arizona State, or Carnell Tate, the receiver out of Ohio State, fall to number 12, even though the Cowboys need defensive players, they’re gonna take one of those receivers, and then the shopping for George Pickens starts.”
That decision could open the door for trade talks involving Pickens, who is currently on a franchise tag.
“He was traded for a third pick [in May 2025],” Orlovsky said. “If the Cowboys get a second-round pick for George Pickens coming off of last season, they should, and they draft a receiver tonight, that’s a good job by their front office.”
Pickens is coming off a standout season. He posted 93 catches, 1,429 yards, and nine touchdowns, earning Pro Bowl honors and All-Pro recognition. His production even edged Lamb in certain areas, forming one of the league’s top duos.
Still, Dallas faces roster balance issues after a 7-9-1 season. The offense ranked high, but the defense struggled, finishing last in points allowed. The team added new defensive pieces, yet draft strategy remains flexible.
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Orlovsky names interested NFL teams in the Dallas Cowboys’ WR
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) runs to score a touchdown at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn ImagesOrlovsky believes several teams would show interest if Pickens becomes available. He mentioned the Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, and New England Patriots as possible suitors.
“The Raiders, the Chiefs, the Ravens, the New England Patriots,” Orlovsky said. “If they take a receiver at 12, they all should be on the phone with the Cowboys, seeing if you can trade. Obviously, gotta sign the tag, all that happens, but I don’t see how both CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens are Cowboys in the future.”
For now, Dallas holds two first-round picks and multiple options. The decision at No. 12 could define not only the draft but also the future of its wide receiver room.