The Dallas Cowboys have many holes going into the 2024 season and limited cap space to fix them in free agency. Even with multiple positional needs, could they draft a wide receiver to partner (or replace) superstar wide receiver CeeDee Lamb?
Quarterback Dak Prescott’s contract is the main topic of contract in Dallas. How will the Cowboys handle his massive contract to build a roster around him? Trade, cut, extend, or “other” are all options.
With Dak taking 21.2% of the Cowboys’ cap space, the need to spend draft picks seems even higher. Offensive tackle, center, defensive tackle, linebacker, and cornerback are all high needs in Dallas.
Even with all the Cowboys’ needs, the focus might be on helping Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb take the offense to the next level.
Dallas Cowboys Draft
The Cowboys have seven picks in the upcoming draft that is less than a month away. Their first pick is the 24th overall pick. One of these draft picks should be used to add another big-name wide receiver to help the offense.
In the first six weeks of 2023, CeeDee Lamb caught double-digit passes in a game just once. After an adjustment on offense, Lamb finished 2023 with double-digit receptions in seven games, more than any player in a single season in NFL history.
CeeDee Lamb went from being targeted on 21.5% of passes before the bye to 32.4% after it. The latter ranked second in the NFL during that span (Tyreek Hill, 35.4%).
CeeDee needs help. Outside weapons are invaluable in today’s NFL. Added help will help the Cowboys move further into the playoffs, which they desperately need.
Help for CeeDee Lamb
Dallas Morning News writes that it is unrealistic to expect him to go off every game. Keeping this type of production up without help is tough.
Defenses inevitably will force the ball away from Lamb, placing responsibility on his fellow wide receivers to capitalize. The position’s youth must develop for that concern not to rear its head during some of the most critical moments of the 2024 season.
Head coach and offensive play-caller Mike McCarthy must add another receiver to help take the pressure off CeeDee. A lower percentage of passes thrown his way could lead to the same or more production, with a defense’s inability to cover both.
CeeDee Contract Situation
Owner Jerry Jones and head coach Mike McCarthy could also consider this pick to replace Lamb.
Lamb is due $17 million in 2024. He has no contract in place after the season (at this point). Jones and McCarthy could be looking at the Prescott contract situation, the Lamb contract, and even elite edge defender Micah Parson’s contract (nothing after 2024) and wondering what direction they should go.
The Cowboys have $6.7 million in cap space for the 2024 season but over $100 million in 2025. If contract discussions do not go as planned, finding replacements for these players is a viable option for these three superstars.
Draft Targets at Wide Receiver
Unfortunately for the Cowboys, many teams seem to be vying for a wide receiver deep in the draft: the Buffalo Bills (28th pick), Pittsburgh Steelers (20th pick), Cincinnati Bengals (18th pick), Jacksonville Jaguars (17th pick), and the Kansas City Chiefs (32nd pick). The Cardinals are also an option with their second pick in the first round, but most have them taking a wide receiver with the fourth overall pick.
Some names the Cowboys should target:
- Ladd McConkey – Georgia
- Brian Thomas Jr. – LSU
- Adonai Mitchell – Texas
- Xavier Worthy – Texas
- Keon Coleman – Florida State
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Ja’Lynn Polk – Washington
All names listed would compliment CeeDee’s style of play perfectly in the Dallas offense.
Dallas has a vital draft coming up. Many questions will be answered after seeing their approach on April 25th.
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