With the Dallas Cowboys naming Christian Parker their new defensive coordinator, the spotlight now turns to the other side of the ball - specifically, the future of George Pickens. The 24-year-old wide receiver just wrapped up a breakout season that earned him second-team All-Pro honors, but contract negotiations could complicate what once looked like a long-term pairing in Dallas.
The Cowboys gave up two draft picks to land Pickens last spring, a move that signaled serious commitment. But that investment doesn’t guarantee a reunion. Jerry Jones has grown more selective when it comes to handing out big-money extensions, and with CeeDee Lamb already locked in through 2028, the question becomes: Can you really afford to pay two wideouts top dollar in today’s cap landscape?
Letting a player of Pickens’ caliber walk for nothing is never ideal - especially when he just put up 1,429 receiving yards - but Dallas has options. If the Cowboys and Pickens can’t find common ground on a new deal, there are a few intriguing names that could help fill the void without breaking the bank.
Potential George Pickens Replacements for the Cowboys
The High-Upside Lottery Ticket: Brandon Aiyuk
Brandon Aiyuk’s situation in San Francisco has been puzzling, to say the least. Despite his talent, he never suited up this past season, and the disconnect between him and the 49ers’ front office became increasingly obvious.
On Wednesday, GM John Lynch all but confirmed the breakup, saying, *“It's safe to say [Aiyuk’s] played his last snap with the Niners.” *
That kind of public statement doesn’t do much for Aiyuk’s trade value - in fact, it might tank it. If he’s released, Aiyuk could become one of the most intriguing “prove-it” candidates on the market.
He’s still just 28, and the skillset that made him a first-round pick hasn’t gone anywhere. For a team like Dallas, with a high-powered offense and a marquee quarterback, the appeal could be mutual.
Aiyuk gets a chance to rebuild his stock on a big stage; the Cowboys get a motivated receiver with WR1 upside.
The Mid-Tier Dice Roll: Alec Pierce
Alec Pierce hasn’t had the easiest road in Indianapolis. A carousel of quarterbacks has made it tough to build chemistry, yet he’s quietly emerged as one of the league’s most dangerous vertical threats. Over the last two seasons, he’s averaged north of 21.5 yards per catch - a stat that jumps off the page in today’s game.
But Pierce isn’t just a one-trick pony. He’s started to round out his route tree, becoming more effective on intermediate patterns while still stretching the field.
That versatility could be a perfect fit in Brian Schottenheimer’s offense, which isn’t shy about pushing the ball downfield. With Dak Prescott under center, Pierce could thrive - and at a fraction of the cost it would take to retain Pickens.
He won’t replicate Pickens’ production overnight, but he could get close, and that’s a win for cap flexibility.
The Low-End Flier: Romeo Doubs
Romeo Doubs is one of those players who flashes just enough to make you wonder what he could be with the right support system. His numbers haven’t quite caught up to his physical tools, but it’s hard to ignore the context: Green Bay’s receiver room has been a revolving door, and that instability has likely slowed his development.
Still, Doubs showed real promise this past season - including a three-touchdown performance in primetime against, fittingly, the Cowboys. He’s built in the same mold as Pickens: long, athletic, and capable of making contested catches.
He just hasn’t put it all together yet. A move to Dallas, where he’d line up opposite a true WR1 in Lamb and work with a top-tier quarterback, could be the fresh start he needs.
In a thinner-than-usual wide receiver market, Doubs stands out as a cost-effective swing with upside.
Final Thoughts
The Cowboys have a decision to make - and it’s a big one. George Pickens is a rising star, but retaining him at a premium price could limit flexibility elsewhere. If Dallas decides to pivot, they won’t find a one-for-one replacement, but they can find pieces that fit the system and keep the offense humming.
Whether it’s a high-upside bet like Aiyuk, a vertical threat like Pierce, or a developmental play like Doubs, the Cowboys have options. Now it’s just a matter of how bold they want to be.