Dallas Cowboys linked to major WR shake-up before 2026 NFL Draft
The Dallas Cowboys could be heading toward a major wide receiver shake-up ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky believes the front office may soon make a bold call involving George Pickens . Speaking on ESPN’s Get Up, Orlovsky pointed to recent comments from executive Stephen Jones as a key signal.
“It’s hard to pay two receivers top of the market,” Jones said, a line that raised questions about the future of Pickens alongside CeeDee Lamb . Orlovsky did not hold back. “No doubt,” he said when asked if a split was coming.
He noted Lamb is set to earn $46. 2 million in 2027, making it unlikely Dallas commits similar money to Pickens. MORE: Bills QB Josh Allen reveals new mindset ahead of 9th NFL season “They’re not paying both CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens top of the market.
Stephen Jones just said it,” Orlovsky said. “And so, right now my thought going into tonight with the draft is, if Jordan Tyson, the receiver out of Arizona State, or Carnell Tate, the receiver out of Ohio State, fall to number 12, even though the Cowboys need defensive players, they’re gonna take one of those receivers, and then the shopping for George Pickens starts. ” That decision could open the door for trade talks involving Pickens, who is currently on a franchise tag.
“He was traded for a third pick [in May 2025],” Orlovsky said. “If the Cowboys get a second-round pick for George Pickens coming off of last season, they should, and they draft a receiver tonight, that’s a good job by their front office. ” Pickens is coming off a standout season.