Another week for the Dallas Cowboys and another drop-filled performance for star receiver CeeDee Lamb. Previously, one of the most reliable pass catchers in the game had undeniably struggled with consistency throughout the 2025 season. It is important to note that even amid the struggles, the star remains an elite weapon with over 632 receiving yards and two touchdowns on the season.
With that said, Lamb's clear regression demands the Cowboys re-sign star receiver George Pickens. The incredible chemistry with quarterback Dak Prescott has quickly become clear, with the duo adding up to 67 receptions for 1,054 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. No longer can the Cowboys simply gamble on Lamb's ability to carry the passing attack; the two-headed monster must stay in place for the 2026 season.
CeeDee Lamb's Drops Prove Cowboys Need George Pickens More Than Ever
This isn't to doubt Lamb or refuse to point out the accomplishments of the receiver, rather to point out the oddity of this year's struggles dropping the football. According to Pro Football Focus, Lamb is playing at a career-worst 43.2 receiving grade this season and, including Sunday's effort, is already up to nine drops on the year (h/t @Brandoniswrite). Simply put, that's unacceptable from a player of his caliber.
The best path forward for Dallas is not worrying about whether or not Lamb can still carry this team, but making sure this isn't his sole responsibility. Pickens needs to be re-signed with the understanding that if this happens, it means the Cowboys are always going to have a chance.
Fans have seen in the 2025 season that as long as both playmakers are healthy, there simply is no team in the league that the Cowboys don't have a puncher's chance against. A win vs. the Philadelphia Eagles and a tie with the Green Bay Packers serve as evidence that the receiving duo will always give Dallas a chance.
Dallas badly needs to keep Pickens not only based on the uncertainty around Lamb, but also due to recent franchise setbacks. Losing Micah Parsons is something many fans will begin to overlook if this team continues to find a way to fight into relevance and Pickens is retained. Meanwhile, another divorce with a star player could cause the fan base to lose even more faith in the franchise.
Keeping this elite receiving duo together gives Prescott a better chance at aging gracefully as well. He is 32 and will be under contract until his age 35 season. Both Lamb and Pickens should still be in Dallas when the Cowboys are again facing Prescott contract questions.
Pickens is an elite talent who elevates your quarterback as well as takes pressure off your star receiver. It is a luxury that you're going to be forced to pay top dollar for, and simply keep the elite attack together that is always going to give your roster a chance.
Lamb's struggles have driven this home and furthered the case that the Cowboys cannot drop the ball when it comes to extending Pickens.