The Cincinnati Bengals signed massive contracts with two elite wide receivers, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, impacting the cap space for the offensive line and defense. The Cowboys fans have wondered whether this is a cautionary tale for the team if wideout George Pickens is signed to a long-term deal.

According to a Dallas Cowboys Mailbag entry, the Cowboys writers Tommy Yarrish and Patrick Walker responded to a similar fan query by stating that both organizations are different in terms of their approaches regarding building and investing in the roster.

“I would say that while the Bengals do stand as a bit of a cautionary tale, I am of the belief that signing Chase and Higgins is not the reason the Bengals are struggling suddenly,” Walker wrote.

Both writers acknowledged that Cincinnati's massive investment in its receiving corps has raised legitimate questions around the roster, particularly when balancing resources across the offensive line and defense. However, they also believe Dallas is operating from a different position than the Bengals.

Walker believes that signing Pickens (currently under the franchise tag) for a long-term deal wouldn't affect the cap structure of the Cowboys, as the Cowboys have solidified their current offensive line, except for the left tackle position.

He added that the Cowboys have already ‘begun the process of overhauling their defense’, which differentiates them from the Bengals current roster and salary-cap issues. 

"Usually, your investment, or lack thereof, in one side of the ball versus another is apparent," Yarrish wrote in the same mailbag entry. "I think the Cowboys have improved on defense, but we're still yet to see just how much they have, even before they've paid Pickens money that would fit him in the category of a "high-priced" receiver."

While Yarrish and Walker acknowledged concerns surrounding Cincinnati's roster-building approach, another NFL analyst believes the Cowboys may be better positioned to avoid similar salary-cap complications.

Analyst Explains Why Cowboys May Not Face Bengals' Challenges

Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated believes that the Cowboys could sign Pickens next March for a contract extension, when both WRs CeeDee Lamb and Pickens would be in the prime of their career.

"So each will be in the prime of his career, and having both will have some appeal," Breer wrote in his mailbag entry. "Lamb’s cash also isn’t outrageous going forward-he’s due $29 million in 2027 and $31.99 million in 2028. So having those two together through 2028 is certainly feasible."

Breer believes that Lamb can demand a deal after the 2026 season, as he would have only $7M guaranteed under his contract, and if the Cowboys sign Pickens to a lucrative deal, Lamb's chances of demanding a restructured contract are high.

Breer's outlook differs from the concerns raised around Cincinnati, as he believes Dallas has enough flexibility to retain both receivers without creating the same roster-building challenges.

What do you think about the Dallas Cowboys' wide receiver situation? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Rudra Dubey