The Dallas Cowboys are heading into an offseason that could define their offensive identity for years to come. With both George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb on the roster-and both due for major paydays-Jerry Jones and the front office are staring down a tough decision: can they afford to keep both stars, or will they have to choose?
And if they do have to pick one, Hall of Famer and Cowboys legend Terrell Owens has made his preference clear.
Owens Makes His Pick
Speaking during Super Bowl week, Owens didn’t hesitate when asked to weigh in. His choice? George Pickens.
“Both of them are great receivers,” Owens said. “But, in my estimation, [Pickens’] catching ability, his catch radius, his ability to go up and make plays when there aren’t plays-he offers a lot more down the field when it comes to being a deep threat and being a playmaker.”
Owens pointed to Pickens’ breakout 2025 season as all the proof needed. And it’s hard to argue with the numbers.
In just his first year with Dallas, the 24-year-old posted 1,429 receiving yards and found the end zone nine times. That kind of production, especially in a new system, is the kind of thing that turns heads-and earns contracts.
The Case for CeeDee
But this isn’t a simple “what have you done for me lately” situation. CeeDee Lamb has been the model of consistency since arriving in Dallas.
He notched 1,077 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 2025-numbers that may not pop compared to Pickens’ explosion, but they continue a streak of five straight 1,000-yard seasons. That kind of reliability doesn’t just grow on trees.
Lamb also brings a level of polish and chemistry with Dak Prescott that only comes with time. He’s been the focal point of the Cowboys’ passing attack for years, and his ability to move the chains, work the middle of the field, and win on key downs has been critical to Dallas’ offensive rhythm.
The Financial Puzzle
Here’s where things get tricky. Both players are due for major extensions, and the Cowboys’ cap sheet isn’t exactly forgiving.
A franchise tag-likely north of $30 million-could be a temporary solution. But that’s just a short-term fix.
Lamb is already under contract through the deal he signed back in 2024-a four-year, $136 million extension that still has money left to be paid. Pickens, on the other hand, will be looking for his first major payday, and after a season like that, he won’t come cheap.
The Cowboys are essentially being asked to project the future: do they double down on Lamb’s sustained excellence, or bet on Pickens’ sky-high ceiling?
What’s Next for Dallas?
This is the type of roster decision that separates contenders from pretenders. Keep both, and you’ve got arguably the best receiving duo in the league. Let one go, and you’d better hope you picked the right guy.
Owens clearly believes Pickens is the future. But the Cowboys have to weigh more than just talent-they’ve got to balance contracts, chemistry, and long-term roster building.
One thing’s for sure: Jerry Jones has a decision to make, and it won’t be an easy one.