The Dallas Cowboys are set to have George Pickens on their roster for the upcoming season after placing the non-exclusive franchise tag on the star wide receiver.
Pickens had a breakout season in Dallas last season, recording 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns. He proved to be an asset on an offense that already had star receiver CeeDee Lamb.
With that being said, it’s uncertain if the Cowboys can or want to make a long-term deal with Pickens, which means the team must plan for other options in 2027.
Per Tony Pauline of Essentially Sports, Cowboys wide receiver coach Junior Adams was in attendance for USC’s pro day to watch Makai Lemon. The Trojans standout ran a 40-yard dash time of 4.48.
Lemon has a lot of interest from NFL teams, and is expected to be taken in the first round of the draft. Pauline projects the Los Angeles Rams to take him at No. 13, one spot behind where the Cowboys draft at No. 12.
Lemon could be someone the Cowboys decide to take a chance on at No. 12. Dallas has the benefit of two first-round picks in April.
While Dallas is doing its due diligence on Lemon, its NFC East rival, the New York Giants, met with the receiver after the workout. He’ll have an official 30-day visit with the Giants.
Lemon spent all three of his years in college football at USC. His best season came in 2025 when he recorded 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns. He’s leaving the Trojans having caught 137 passes for 2,008 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Lemon does more than catch passes. He served as a kickoff returner for the Trojans, returning 32 kickoffs for 752 yards. He returned six punts for 71 yards. All of his punt returns came in the 2025 campaign.
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