There’s no question that four-time Pro Bowl selection CeeDee Lamb has been the anchor of the Dallas Cowboys’ receiver room. Aside from his rookie campaign in 2020, Lamb has led the team in both receptions and receiving yards every single year since. Ever since the departure of Amari Cooper in 2022, Cowboys fans have been eager to see Lamb paired with a true co-star, someone who could finally help form a dynamic receiving duo.
Over the years, Dallas has made multiple attempts to find that perfect complement. They’ve tested the waters with promising young talents like Jalen Tolbert and KaVontae Turpin, while also dipping into the veteran pool with proven names like Brandin Cooks and T.Y. Hilton. While each brought flashes of potential, none fully solidified themselves as the long-term answer.
But now, after years of searching, Jerry Jones and the front office have finally delivered, bringing in the ideal blend of youth, talent, and experience in former Steelers wideout George Pickens. With Lamb and Pickens set to form one of the most exciting receiving duos in the league, a new question emerges ...
Who will step up as the third option in this offense?
CowboysCountry.com has suggested that Jalen Tolbert is the frontrunner for the WR3 role, and many believe a breakout season could be on the horizon. Tolbert has steadily improved every year, even managing solid production during stretches when Dak Prescott was sidelined. With opposing defenses focusing heavily on Lamb and Pickens, Tolbert could become a sneaky, often-overlooked target who capitalizes on favorable matchups in 2025.
Another name firmly in the mix is KaVontae Turpin. Although primarily recognized for his elite return skills, Turpin has made steady strides as a receiver. His speed and quickness offer Dallas a gadget-type weapon capable of turning short catches into explosive plays.
The Cowboys made a low-risk, high-upside move last season by trading for Jonathan Mingo, a former second-round pick from the Carolina Panthers. Much like Tolbert and Turpin, Mingo has found himself settling into more of a role-player piece in recent seasons, posting modest numbers. However, with a fresh start in Dallas, he’s looking to prove that he’s not a bust and that he was drafted in the second round for a reason. If he can put it all together, he has the physical tools—size, strength, and reliable hands—to become a legitimate contributor in this offense.
Ryan Flournoy is another name to watch. While he’s had a limited role in the Cowboys’ offense so far, he has shown flashes in his opportunities and will be aiming to carve out a bigger role as a rotational piece in this wide receiver room.
Then there’s the ultimate underdog story: Traeshon Holden. The undrafted receiver out of Oregon has made it clear he feels “disrespected” for not hearing his name called during the draft. He’s publicly stated that he’s “coming for heads” in camp. Holden is on a mission to prove doubters wrong and turn himself into the next great diamond-in-the-rough success story.
This Cowboys receiver room has no shortage of storylines. With Lamb and Pickens locked in as the top two options, the battle for WR3 is officially on. Whether it’s Tolbert, Mingo, Turpin, Flournoy, Holden, or perhaps a name buried deep in the position room who rises from the shadows, this competition promises to be one of the most exciting and impactful position battles for Dallas heading into the 2025 season.
Although the final answer won’t be known until the season kicks off, one thing is clear—this wide receiver room has the chance to turn heads and become one of the most underrated units in the NFL, depending on health and consistent production from that critical third wide receiver spot.
