Latest news with #CeeDeeLamb
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cowboys' Dynamic Duo Key To Passing Game Revival
Cowboys' Dynamic Duo Key To Passing Game Revival originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Ever since the Dallas Cowboys swung the trade for George Pickens, the thought of what he and CeeDee Lamb could be in Brian Schottenheimer's offense is a tantalizing thought. Advertisement With Lamb now having genuine help, he won't be doubled as often, and that will allow 88 to feast. Plus, Pickens and his deep threat ability are one of the best in football, and having that vertical option opens up the underneath game for Lamb and others. So one could say that Pickens is a superb foil to Lamb. And for Pro Football Focus' Dalton Wasserman, the addition of George is going to elevate the passing game in 2025. "The threat that Pickens gives you one-on-one deep down the field is going to open things up for Lamb underneath, and I don't think you could pick two receivers that complement each other better than those two," Wasserman said. "When you look at this passing game, as long as Prescott's protected and Tyler Booker goes in there and plays well, and they figure out their left tackle situation, I think this passing game is going to be a lot better." CeeDee Lamb And George Pickens At AT&TBy Tony Fisher / courtesy The biggest thing is protection for QB Dak Prescott, who has overseen a dominant passing game before ... and Schottenheimer has gone to task to get the right coaches and players in to fortify the offensive line. Advertisement Klayton Adams and Conor Riley, along with Tyler Booker look to be good additions, and if the line can show improvement on last year, plus Dak stays healthy, then Pickens and Lamb are going to be a problem in 2025. Granted, there is a lot of water to go under the bridge, and we are yet to see how this team reacts to bad situations and poor form, but right now, the Dallas passing game appears to be in good shape. Of course, we will get a true indication on Oxnard next month, but Lamb and Pickens have all the makings of being a top duo in 2025 and a big reason for this passing game to go to another level. Related: Dak Prescott Named In Another Ridiculous Trade Scenario Related: Cowboys' George Pickens Infuriates Organizers By Canceling Youth Football Camp Appearance This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cowboys Predicted For 'Dull Vibe' In 2025
Cowboys Predicted For 'Dull Vibe' In 2025 originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The one thing the Dallas Cowboys have never been under Jerry Jones is boring, but it appears some think the 2025 version under Brian Schottenheimer might be. Advertisement With so much change on both sides of the ball, the Cowboys present an interesting proposition for fans and media alike to gauge accurately. We already know that Schotty wants to run the ball behind a revamped offensive line and a rushing attack led by Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams with a sprinkling of Jaydon Blue. But for USA Today's Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, in ranking all 32 teams from most to least entertaining, Dallas comes in at No. 19. "Jerry Jones might not enjoy it, but a Brian Schottenheimer offense likely to be rooted in the run game and play-action passes might give Dallas a somewhat dull vibe," Middlehurst-Schwartz writes. "But the George Pickens trade guaranteed some sparks – for better or worse." Dak Prescott (4) and Brian SchottenheimerTim Heitman-Imagn Images Now, regardless of how the Cowboys play on the field, the last thing they will be is dull ... as that would be pretty close to unprecedented around here. Advertisement People will tune in to see either the team lose, and many will bask in that backwards glory under Jerry, or fans will watch Dak Prescott connect with CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens for explosive gains ... in combination with Micah Parsons and his defense offering thrills. Plus, just because an offense is run-first doesn't make it boring – the Detroit Lions proved that last season. And as long as Dallas is winning, we don't think Jerry will care, given the length of this trophy drought. It has been a positive offseason for the Cowboys, and we can't see any dull vibes coming from how the team will play based on what we've seen. That doesn't mean they won't be, but there is enough evidence to suggest that with the weapons at Dak's disposal, the offense will be anything but dull. Advertisement The addition of Pickens alone is enough to light the entertainment spark each week. And in terms of being "dull" overall? Watch the TV ratings tell the truth about how watchable America finds "America's Team" to be. Related: Cowboys' Aubrey Details 'No Guarantees' Contract Reality With Jerry Jones Related: Cowboys One-Time Target Longhorns QB Quinn Ewers Starts Over in NFL This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
New York Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Fantasy football 2025 dynasty wide receiver rankings, from Ja'Marr Chase to Adam Thielen
Welcome to the third installment of my dynasty rankings review series. In case you missed it, I previously reviewed the quarterback and running back positions; now I turn my attention to the receivers. In addition to the rankings, the added tiers will help further segment the players, a useful tool during start-up drafts when trying to determine positional depth as a draft unfolds. For reference, you can find all my rankings on FantasyPros. Advertisement There's a lot of variance among fantasy analysts when ranking receivers. As is the case with other positions, I give extra priority to production, even as a player approaches an age cliff, when other analysts begin fading that player. Other factors, such as production consistency, quarterback quality, contract specifics and injury history, also factor in. As I tend to build my dynasty squads through receivers, it's the position I obsess over in my rankings. The names here won't surprise anyone, though I suspect many dynasty managers could take issue with some players not appearing in this tier. If you don't see an expected player, it's likely due to my inclusion of an existing risk factor I'm weighing. In many cases, this applies to second-year players or upside names suffering from quarterback quality issues that I want to see play out before upgrading. Most upside: Brian Thomas, JAX Most value: A.J. Brown, PHI Most risk: CeeDee Lamb, DAL There's not much to say about these elite eight receivers. If not for a new quarterback, Justin Jefferson would headline this group. CeeDee Lamb should benefit from the addition of George Pickens, but the new situation and Dak Prescott's inability to remain healthy introduce risk. There's a lot to like about Brian Thomas Jr. due to size, production and age, and, should Trevor Lawrence finally take the next step, it's not out of the question that BTJ vies for WR1 in dynasty, both in ranking and production. Any of these receivers could easily appear in the tier above. It's never my plan to control the number of players in any tier, as can be seen here with only six players represented. Instead, I allow my confidence in the players to determine where the tiers break. Most upside: Drake London, ATL Most value: Marvin Harrison Jr., ARI Most risk: Garrett Wilson, NYJ Drake London may finally be ready to make the leap into the tier above, but he'll need solid play from second-year quarterback Michael Penix for that to occur. Still only 23, London has the size and profile I look for, and he finally put it all together in 2024. Advertisement Marvin Harrison Jr. has been a frequent trade target after some managers grew frustrated with the rookie's production and consistency. Savvy managers looking to rebuild should target the high-ceiling player in his second season if any discount is offered. At some point, Garrett Wilson must produce to maintain his present premium. Paired with his collegiate quarterback, Justin Fields, Wilson needs to surpass his 2024 touchdown total (seven) to maintain this ranking. Entering his fourth season, Wilson looks primed to take the next step, but his quarterback situation remains a risk, and should Fields not pan out, it will mean yet another quarterback change for Wilson. I love everything about Jaxon Smith-Njigba, but I'm not fully confident that new quarterback Sam Darnold is the upgrade needed to vault JSN to a WR1. If he is, Smith-Njigba may sneak into my first tier by midseason. Ladd McConkey had a stellar rookie season, but, like Wilson above, I'm looking for more touchdown production lest he slip into a possession-style role that rarely makes my first tier. A broad third tier provides a mix of significant upside and established production. This is the tier that is likely to elicit the most comments from readers, as my style of ranking begins to diverge from that of many analysts. Most upside: Travis Hunter, JAX Most value: Rome Odunze, CHI Most risk: Chris Olave, NO Most underappreciated: Mike Evans, TB Biggest sleeper: Jameson Williams, DET I simply don't know how to rank rookie Travis Hunter. His ceiling is tremendous, but a combination of raw skill, role mystery and quarterback quality does create a risky situation. Rome Odunze checks nearly every box as a potential impact WR1, but competition for targets and reliance upon Caleb Williams' development saps his value. For me, all arrows are pointing up. Advertisement If not for his concussion history, Chris Olave could be vying for Tier 1 inclusion, but his health remains a concern (until it doesn't). This could be a make-or-break year for Olave in that regard. Quarterback quality also remains a significant question mark. Mike Evans is in his age-32 season, but there's no questioning his durability or production. Competitive teams should be price-checking for acquisition. He's been a frequent value-on production anchor for me in new start-up drafts. I believe 2025 is the year Jameson Williams proves he's much more than a risky deep threat. My bold prediction is he will outproduce Amon-Ra St. Brown in fantasy production in the year to come. My other favorite targets from this tier are Tee Higgins, DeVonta Smith, Jerry Jeudy and Emeka Egbuka, for any combination of value, production and upside. I'm fading DK Metcalf, DJ Moore and Rashee Rice. A mix of value, intrigue and community groupthink helps highlight the names in this tier. Most upside: Ricky Pearsall, SF Most value: Deebo Samuel, WAS Most risk: Xavier Worthy, KC Most underappreciated: Jalen McMillan, TB Biggest sleeper: Jalen McMillan, TB Biggest sell: Tyreek Hill, MIA Davante Adams finds himself in the perfect situation and should be productive again for competitive teams. If you aren't competitive, move him immediately. Deebo Samuel has tremendous value in Washington but is also a risky asset due to injury history. Xavier Worthy is at risk of becoming just another deep-threat option who doesn't produce consistently enough in fantasy to maintain his ranking. The opportunity for Ricky Pearsall is not reflected in the rankings of most analysts and presents significant value. Tyreek Hill could populate any of these categories and is difficult to rank. Age and quarterback issues remain, but he can be acquired for competitive managers. Advertisement I'm most excited about Jalen McMillan. The arrival of rookie Emeka Egbuka has rendered McMillan an afterthought after his standout rookie season. He's a significant value-on acquisition for me, with eyes on 2026. Michael Pittman, Chris Godwin and Brandon Aiyuk are all in crossroads seasons and have a lot to gain or lose. For this reason, I'm steering clear of acquiring them. I like to think of the fifth and sixth tiers as where dynasties are solidified. Without question, your build will determine your initial success, but after the glitz of the top tiers fades, managers are left with what appear to be uninspiring options. Careful and smart selections over these next two tiers can provide significant production and, potentially, future dynasty stars. Most upside: Tre Harris, LAC Most value: Calvin Ridley, TEN Most risk: Keon Coleman, BUF Most underappreciated: Jakobi Meyers, LV Biggest sleeper: Jayden Higgins, HOU Biggest sell: Stefon Diggs, NE Tre Harris has been one of my favorite prospects for a long time, and his drafted situation is a good one. Calvin Ridley was quietly the WR29 (PPR) in 2024 and should have upside with rookie Cam Ward under center. I'm concerned that if Keon Coleman doesn't establish himself as something more than a red zone weapon, he'll fade from the radar. It's uninspiring that he had only eight receptions over his final five games of 2024. Jakobi Meyers remains completely uninteresting but quietly ranked as WR30 last season despite missing two games. Jayden Higgins has the look of a WR1 but is behind Nico Collins in the pecking order. Quarterback C.J. Stroud regressed in 2024, and target competition is present. That said, I still love Higgins' profile and have been targeting him early in the second round of rookie drafts. I have no shares of Stefon Diggs and fully expect he'll be off the dynasty radar this time next year. I'm steering clear of Josh Downs, Khalil Shakir, Rashid Shaheed and Jauan Jennings, while Cooper Kupp has enough production value for competitive teams. I'm intrigued as to whether Rashod Bateman can take the next step after his new contract. Similar to Tier 5, I'm targeting undervalued production assets and value-on developmental prospects here. Most upside: Troy Franklin, DEN Most value: Marquise Brown, KC Most risk: Christian Watson, GB Most underappreciated: Alec Pierce, IND Biggest sleeper: Marvin Mims Jr., DEN Troy Franklin had a good early camp, and I think he takes another step in Year 2 with his college (Oregon) quarterback, Bo Nix, under center. Advertisement The Chiefs badly need receiver consistency to stop the dynasty slide of Patrick Mahomes, and a fully healthy Marquise 'Hollywood' Brown should pay dividends, especially with Rashee Rice back in the fold. Christian Watson tore his ACL late in 2024 but recently posted a workout video showing good progress. That said, the injury bug remains a constant companion for Watson, and the Packers seem content to move on. Alec Pierce was PPR's WR43 last year while missing two games. I think he flirts with the 1,000-yard plateau in 2025. Don't sleep on Marvin Mims, who finished 2024 with 13 receptions on 13 targets and four touchdowns over his final two regular-season games. If he can remain healthy, he offers upside. You can find my remaining Tier 7 players at the link above at FantasyPros. If you have questions or comments, you know what to do. Please follow me on Twitter and Threads: @DLF_Jeff. (Photo of Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins: Sam Greene / Imagn Images)
USA Today
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders are getting a 400% pay raise
The Dallas Cowboys haven't been shy when it comes to opening up the checkbook, at least when it comes to the roster. Prior to the 2024 regular season, the team extended Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. This year, it's the world-famous Cowboys cheerleaders that are seeing some additional pay coming their way – to the tune of a 400% raise. It was revealed on the Netflix series "America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders" when member Megan McElaney, a four-year veteran from Oceanside, California, mentioned the increase. "Our efforts were heard and they wanted to give us a raise," McElaney said, via the Associated Press. "And we ended up getting a 400% increase, which is like, life-changing." In 2019, the group fought for a raise in game rates, which doubled from $200 to $400 at the time. Former member Kristin Westbrook took to Instagram, where she revealed some of the pay structure. 'When I was on the team, it was: hourly for practice [of] $15/hour,' she wrote on her Instagram Stories on Saturday June 21, via US Weekly. She added that members would also get 'flat fees' for various other performances. "Flat fee for appearances – $100 (x # of years on the team)," Westbrook added, pointing out that a rookie would make $100, while a second-year veteran would earn $200 and so on. Veterans and rookies are on different pay scales, with the former earning more money with more experience. The El Paso Times noted that "a veteran will see her pay increase from a reported $15 per hour to $60 per hour, and there will be many appearances by the team outside of game days." Salaries are not disclosed, but reports indicate that a veteran will make around $150,000 per year. Even though they received an increase in compensation, the group still does not receive health insurance from the team. Former cheerleader, Jada McLean, told the New York Times in an interview that she made $15 an hour and $500 for each appearance in 2024. It's been a long battle for raises from cheerleaders, who have cited concerns dealing with financial stress in recent years. They are a key component of the game day experience for many teams, giving them a unique position to negotiate from. Now that the Cowboys cheerleaders have received their raise, the hope is that the new deal will provide some financial security that was previously lacking under the old compensation package. In December 2024, Forbes listed the Cowboys as the most valuable franchise in sports at $10.1 billion. It appears their cheerleaders are now going to be paid like it.
USA Today
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Cowboys Headlines: Jake Ferguson one of 3 Cowboys at TEU; more Turpin time in '25?
We're talking wide receivers in this news recap, including CeeDee Lamb showing off some new party skills, Jalen Brooks doing some serious cooking over the offseason, we're forecasting what the new regime in Dallas could mean for KaVontae Turpin's usage on offense, and Dez Bryant uncharacteristically tries to water down some online hype. We're also talking tight ends: we'll tell you which trio of Cowboys are attending TEU this year. Also in the Cowboys headlines, we look into the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders' long awaited pay raise, we're spotlighting two big-time position battles, we're wondering about midsummer trades, we're revisiting a potential Micah Parsons megacontract that works for all sides, and we're telling you why the Cowboys are among the best in the league when it comes to players' families. All that, plus an update on the Kelvin Joseph case, but we start with a bizarre prediction from an NBA A-lister involving the team's top defender wearing... Commanders burgundy and gold??? Parsons responds to Durant's belief the Cowboy could join Commanders with some Quinn love :: Cowboys Wire Link NBA star and Commanders fan Kevin Durant predicted that Parsons could be reunited with his former defensive coordinator in Washington within two years. "I only rock with Dan Quinn," Parsons allowed, going on to intimate that nothing else about the rival organization would hold any interest for him. 20 Questions: Do you see a new role for KaVontae Turpin? :: The Mothership Link The Pro Bowl return man got the ball more on offense last year supposedly at Brian Schottenheimer's urging, so this year could theoretically mean even more of an expanded role. But with George Pickens in town and a revamped rushing attack, there simply may not be a huge jump to be had in this hybrid playmaker's touches. Dez Bryant has succinct response after efforts to crown son prematurely :: Cowboys Wire Link Bryant's son was featured in an online post, with the account wondering if he'd end up being better than his dad. Dez jumped in quickly to shut it down, but not in the way you might think. "We dont need this hype train around my son," Bryant replied, "because that's not the goal. I care for him to be judged on his honest he has a long way to go to get where he wants to be." This Dallas Cowboys receiver is spending the offseason cooking for his teammates :: Fort Worth Star-Telegram Link Jalen Brooks has been cooking since he was 12, having learned from his grandmother and mother. Multiple times already this offseason, Brooks has had teammates over at his house to act as chef, whipping up everything from ribs and steak to spicy lobster pasta for his fellow Cowboys. 'It's 10 out of 10, for real,' Jonathan Mingo raved. CeeDee Lamb dominates in Cane's Sauce pong at Fanatics Fest :: Raising Cane's PFF spotlights 2 Cowboys position battles among NFL's most intriguing this preseason :: Cowboys Wire Link Of the 10 NFL position battles most worth watching this summer, the Cowboys have two. Many believe either Javonte Williams or Miles Sanders will make the final roster, but maybe not both. How they duke it out during camp will be interesting. And there's a five-way fight shaping up for the edge rusher position opposite Micah Parsons, with rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku expected to make a huge impact. 5 Fringe Cowboys who could be traded during training camp before roster cuts :: Cowboys Wire Link There's still time to get something in return for a player who won't make the Week 1 roster. Luke Schoonmaker, T.J. Bass, Dakoda Shepley, and Tyrus Wheat could find new life with another organization. Same goes for Parris Campbell, who saw his chances in Dallas take a hit when the Cowboys traded for George Pickens. NFC East 2025: One reason the Cowboys, Eagles, Commanders can win competitive division :: CBS Sports Link The East is, once again, a beast. For the Cowboys, just having their best players healthy will be a welcome change from 2024. The defense will still have some key injuries to contend with, but if George Pickens can open up the offense as expected, there's no reason Dallas can't make a run at the division crown. Cowboys need to stop delaying inevitable, award Parsons this $200 million deal :: Cowboys Wire Link No movement yet, but it's not because there isn't a set of numbers that would work for both sides. A five-year, $205 million deal with a $27.5 million signing bonus would give Parsons a big payment in March of most seasons, and then weekly salaries during the season. There could be exit deals for the club and even a "Zack Martin clause" that lets Parsons walk away if he wants. Cowboys 53-man pre-training camp projection: Does Diggs make it? 2nd rounder cut? :: Cowboys Wire Link This projection says goodbye to Deuce Vaughn and Buddy Johnson, trades Luke Schoonmaker away, and sees Phil Mafah go to the practice squad. And in a surprise that shows how deep the Cowboys are at the position, cornerback Caelen Carson is no sure thing to land a roster spot. Jake Ferguson one of 3 Cowboys tight ends at TEU :: Tom Downey Family of motorcyclist killed in crash with ex-Dallas Cowboys player files lawsuit :: Dallas Morning News Link Cody Morris's family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against former Cowboys cornerback Kelvin Joseph. The Plano woman was killed in early June when her motorcycle was hit on U.S. 75 in Richardson. Joseph notified police that he had been involved in the crash and was observed as having signs of intoxication. Two businesses that allegedly served Joseph alcohol before the crash are also named in the lawsuit. The suit was filed on behalf of the woman's 7-year-old daughter. Why did it take 65 seasons to pay the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders a living wage? :: Texas Monthly Link During the squad's cultural peak of the early 1980s, gameday pay was just $15: "It wasn't even enough to pay for their pantyhose, for goodness sake," former DCC director Suzanne Mitchell recalled. We learned during a 2017 lawsuit that modern-day squad members were allegedly paid just $8 an hour, well below the $23-per-hour rate currently considered a living wage in the Dallas area. That's even three times less than what Rowdy makes, so the new raise is long, long overdue. Ice cream trucks, the Landry Room: ESPN says Cowboys treat players' families right :: Cowboys Wire Link For three years running, Dallas has placed in the top five leaguewide for their treatment of players' families. The gameday family gathering area gets high marks, much better than teams like Cleveland, who sets up a tent outside the stadium in the parking lot, or the Bengals, who don't offer childcare at all. Perks like ice cream trucks for families at The Star on the Saturday before a home game also got favorable reviews. Follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!
