The Dallas Cowboys have their receiving corps locked in for the 2026 season, with both CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens under contract. But while Lamb's future in Dallas looks rock solid, the same can't be said for Pickens.
Pickens signed his franchise tag earlier this offseason, securing a $27.3 million paycheck for the upcoming season. That's a nice payday, no doubt. But here's the catch: it's a one-year deal with no long-term security. And in the NFL, that uncertainty can hang over a player like a storm cloud.
The writing on the wall is clear. If the Cowboys weren't willing to pay Pickens north of $30 million per year now, they'll likely face an even steeper price tag in 2027—think $35 million or more. That's a lot of cap space for a team already committed to Lamb's massive extension.
Now, here's where things get interesting. We're fresh off the 2025 NFL Draft, but that hasn't stopped analysts from already peeking ahead to 2027. Yes, mock drafts for two years out are already circulating. And one pick, in particular, has Cowboys fans raising eyebrows.
ESPN's Jordan Reid projects Dallas to select Indiana wide receiver Charlie Becker with the 23rd overall pick in 2027. And the reasoning? It's directly tied to Pickens' uncertain future.
"George Pickens has been franchise-tagged for the 2026 season, but it could be too expensive to keep long term," Reid wrote. "So the Cowboys might need a No. 2 receiver alongside CeeDee Lamb."
Becker is an intriguing prospect. At 6'4", he's a matchup nightmare for defensive backs. Last season, he averaged a jaw-dropping 20.0 yards per reception, racking up 679 yards and four touchdowns. His 19.9 yards per catch in 2025 ranked seventh-best in the FBS. A former state champion hurdler, Becker uses that leaping ability to make contested catches look routine.
The downside? He's still raw, with just eight career starts. But if his upward trajectory continues, Reid sees first-round potential.
For Cowboys fans, this mock draft is a not-so-subtle reminder that Pickens' time in Dallas might be limited. The team has its star in Lamb, and if they can't lock down Pickens long-term, they're already eyeing the next big thing. Whether that means Pickens plays out 2026 as a rental or forces a longer commitment remains the big question.
One thing's for sure: the Cowboys aren't waiting around to find out. They're planning ahead, and that could mean big changes in the receiving room sooner than later.