CeeDee Lamb wants his receiver partner to stay in Dallas long-term.
It is a high-energy training camp in Oxnard, Calif. for the Dallas Cowboys this year, and much of that optimism is bred through the confidence of having one of the NFL's best offenses.
Headlined by quarterback Dak Prescott, running back Javonte Williams and receiver duo CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens - all of whom return in 2026 - Dallas has reason to stick its chest out.
When it comes to the receivers specifically, Pickens is back on a one-year franchise tag worth over $27 million. An extension would likely put last year's third-leading receiver and All-Pro second-teamer in the range of $30 million annually.
Lamb is leading the way in pleading with the Cowboys front office to make it happen and lock Pickens in long-term.
"I'm sure we can make a way," Lamb said, via Jori Epstein at Yahoo! Sports. "I know it's going to be a little crazy, but I know we can make a way for this one. Listen, this is my advocation: 'Jerry, can you please figure out a way? Let's figure it out. I don't care what needs to happen.'
"'Let's figure it out and it's going to get you a couple more championships.'"
Pickens posted 1,429 yards with the Cowboys after being acquired in a pre-draft trade ahead of the 2025 season. Lamb, though he missed time with an injury, hauled in 1,077 yards, becoming the first Cowboy after Michael Irvin to record five straight 1,000+ yard receiving seasons.
Together with Prescott, Dallas finished second in passing yards and fifth in passing touchdowns (31) in the NFL.
"I'd say the two of them did pretty damn good," said Cowboys executive vice president and co-owner Stephen Jones. "Would you take that again? Hell, yeah, you would. But can they be better? I think they can. And the good news is it's not like we're naked without them."
Both Lamb and Pickens are excited about playing with one another again, as the attention on one lead to the other having less double-team coverages from the defense.
Jones, however, understands the challenge of fielding a roster with two receivers earning $35 million or more. The Cowboys signed Lamb to a four-year, $136 million contract just before the 2024 season. You also must consider the defensive side, where star tackle Quinnen Williams is eligible for a high-priced extension.
"Yeah, just you got to tell me the rest [of our spending], too," Jones said. "At some point, you've got to figure that out."
But as it relates to a long-term deal for Pickens, Jones says, "I think it's realistic."
And yes by the way ... the Monday signing of Quinnen Williams provides some cap relief that can aid in a Pickens signing.
So the money can work. What about the balls to go around?
"I don't have no ego here, I want to win," Lamb said.
In order to do that, the Cowboys should think it is in their best interest to keep their star pass-catchers happy and together.
