The Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Flournoy entered the offseason after his breakout production in the 2025 season. One Cowboys analyst believes Flournoy’s development could have a significant impact on the franchise’s long-term plans at wide receiver.

During episode 185 of the Doin’ Aright podcast, host Voch Lombardi and Bryan Broaddus gave their take on Flournoy’s position in the WR depth.

"I think Flo will get settled into his role [WR3]," Lombardi said. "I think he'll be a really good wide receiver three for us. Do you think that he can elevate to wide receiver two to a point where you [The Cowboys] feel good moving on from Pickens?"

On the podcast, Lombardi shared his belief that there is no competition at the WR3 position with Jalen Tolbert, KaVonte Turpin, and Jonathan Mingo, as Flournoy's 2025 production has confirmed his spot behind CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens.

The sixth-round pick has exceeded expectations since joining the team. He posted 40 receptions for 475 receiving yards and four touchdowns across 16 games in 2025.

Broaddus predicted Flournoy to record 20 to 25 targets for 800-900 yards for the 2026 season, based on his last year's performance, to reach the record of WR George Pickens, and be considered for the WR2 spot.

"That's the plan [WR2 in place of Pickens]," Broaddus said. "That's the conversation. You need to see maybe that's why the extra 25 targets, he gets 75 targets, the touchdown numbers even go up even more, yards after catch even more, but you start to rely on him week in and week out. Yes. I could see where he absolutely is that guy."

Broaddus believes that if Flournoy can post numbers close to Pickens' level and prove that he can consistently win at the catch point, Flournoy could elevate to the WR2 position to play alongside CeeDee Lamb.

While Flournoy's performance in the 2025 season came as a surprise for the team, ESPN's Todd Archer believes he remains one of the most underrated weapons heading into the 2026 season.

ESPN recognizes Flournoy's underrated potential

ESPN's Todd Archer pointed out Ryan Flournoy as one of the 'biggest surprise players' on the Cowboys team.

"Flournoy is coming off a 40-catch, 475-yard, four-touchdown season a year ago when he had two 100-yard games, so surprise might be a little much, but if something happens to CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, the Cowboys know what they have in Flournoy," Archer wrote. "He is strong at attacking the ball. This offseason, he has worked in the slot more."

Flournoy earned the spot through special teams by doing run-blocking, extended work in the slot during the offseason, and has gained the confidence of quarterback Dak Prescott.

With his versatility and steady development, Flournoy appears well-positioned to take on a larger role in the Cowboys' offense during the 2026 season.

What are your thoughts on Flourney?

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi