Who Should I Start? George Pickens or Ladd McConkey


Week 1 Projections

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Pts.
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Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
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Rec
TD
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

George Pickens News

George Pickens to Play on Franchise Tag in 2026

Wednesday, April 22, 9:54 AM

Dallas Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said that wide receiver George Pickens will play under the $27.3 million franchise tag in 2026, according to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports. "There won't be negotiations on a long-term deal," Jones says. Pickens has not signed the franchise tag, so he isn't under contract and can't be fined for missing voluntary or mandatory team activities. If Pickens' holdout drags into the 2026 regular season and he doesn't report, he could miss out on game checks of $1.5 million each week. The Cowboys and Pickens have until July 15 to work out a long-term deal. The Cowboys calling off extension talks doesn't sound like a good thing for the team or for Pickens. This could get messier in training camp and as the start of the season nears in early September. The 25-year-old had a career year with a 93-1,429-9 line in 17 games played in his first year with Dallas, and he will have a WR1 price in fantasy drafts this fall. Fantasy managers considering taking Pickens early in 2026 drafts should be wary of what is shaping up to be a messy contract situation.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Ladd McConkey News

Can Ladd McConkey Recapture Rookie Season Magic?

Sunday, April 12, 5:49 AM

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey burst onto the scene as a 2024 rookie, finishing his first season with 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns on a team-leading 82 receptions. He entered his second season priced as a low-end WR1 in both redraft and dynasty leagues as fantasy managers underestimated the impact of a returning Chargers legend. Keenan Allen came back to Los Angeles in 2025 as a 33-year-old veteran and promptly led the team in targets and receptions, operating primarily in the same short-to-intermediate parts of the field as McConkey. Heading into the NFL Draft, Allen remains unsigned, and McConkey should see every chance to thrive in new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's rhythm-based scheme that will maximize his ability to add yards after the catch. Among players with at least a 60% snap share out of the slot, McConkey's 4.8 yards after catch average through his first two seasons already lands him near the top of the league, but McDaniel should repeatedly motion him into position to make even greater use of his 4.39-speed and return to something resembling his rookie form.


George Pickens vs. Ladd McConkey

Still trying to decide between Pickens and McConkey? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that George Pickens is projected to score 0.0 points this week while Ladd McConkey is projected to score 0.0 points.