Cowboys post-draft roster review: Wide receivers

Here is a look at the state of the Cowboys receiver group.

In 2024, the Dallas Cowboys offense never seem to get going like we had previously seen it. Then there was the season-ending injury to Dak Prescott. While there were occasionally bright spots occasionally, it illuminated the glaring need to find another wide receiver to take the pressure off CeeDee Lamb. With Prescott out of the lineup, a limited offense was now crippled. The Cowboys weren’t deep enough at wide receiver to alleviate the issues of a backup quarterback.

However, this year is sure to be different thanks to a renewed focus on the running game, and one big acquisition. Let’s check on the wide receiver room for 2025.

CeeDee Lamb

Likely the best part about the George Pickens trade is that it allows Lamb to play freely anywhere along the formation. Lamb is equally as potent in the slot as he is an outside receiver, but the threat of Pickens will divert the eyes of the defense away and should give Lamb more space to operate with. You give Lamb quality targets and good things are going to happen. He has already set franchise records in yards and receptions in a season, he is just that good. Lamb’s numbers have proven he has the goods to get it done. This year, facing more single coverage than he has in a long time, Lamb may eclipse career bests in terms of efficiency.

George Pickens

Dallas sent their 2026 third-round and 2027 fifth-round picks to the Pittsburgh Steelers for George Pickens and Pittsburgh’s 2027 sixth-round pick. The trade is exactly what the Cowboys needed. A secondary receiver who can win on the outside, make difficult contested catches, and has enough of an edge to elevate the toughness of the team. Pickens is a big play threat, with terrific body control to make circus catches and elite hand/eye coordination.

In his first three seasons as a pro, Pickens has compiled 174 receptions, 2,841 receiving yards, and 12 touchdowns. Pickens is in a contract year so you should expect the best is yet to come. If Dallas signs Pickens to a new contract, great. If not, that also shouldn’t be a problem. Dallas likely would net a high compensation pick for Pickens if he signs with a new team next offseason, therefore rental may not cost much.

Jalen Tolbert

The Pickens trade has a trickle-down effect for everyone and for Jalen Tolbert it is addition by subtraction for him. You feel infinitely better about Tolbert’s prospects if he’s not being counted as the team’s number two receiver. That’s not to write off Tolbert entirely. He’s deceptively good at tracking the ball downfield and making contested catches. He could also stand to improve on separation from defenders while running his routes, but overall it’s adequate for what you’re asking from your third receiver. Ultimately, it’s an ideal situation for the offense and Tolbert as he plays out the final year of his contract and again, because of Pickens’ presence, he will see more favorable coverages.

Jonathan Mingo

Jonathan Mingo may become a forgotten guy now relegated to no better than the fourth receiver, but that’s not a bad thing although it cost the Cowboys a fourth-round pick to trade for him. The Cowboys gave themselves a chance with a player they coveted as a collegiate prospect and have him under contract for the next two seasons. Mingo should have plenty of opportunities to cement himself on the depth chart with a strong training camp and preseason. There will be competition behind him though. Jalen Brooks and Jalen Cropper had a nice offseason last year and are still in the fold. All Mingo has to do is hold steady and his place on the team should be firm.

KaVontae Turpin

KaVontae Turpin is the fifth wide receiver for the team but he can do so much more than play receiver. Turpin enters his fourth year with the Cowboys and is fresh off his first All-Pro selection as a return specialist. Turpin will be in the fold for the future after the club rewarded him with a three-year, $13.5M contract. His uncanny speed has to be utilized more within the offensive gameplan by getting him touches through whatever means possible. As a returner, he’s among the best and led the NFL with 33.5 yards per kickoff return last season. While the Cowboys have invested in running backs this offseason, it would be beneficial to craft a few running plays designed to get Turpin the ball in space against the defense.