The relationship between Dallas Cowboys wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens goes well beyond funny celebrations that might get them fined in 2025. It’s a real bond. 

Since the Cowboys traded for Pickens in May, Lamb has taken the younger receiver under his wing and has been quick to bury negative narratives. The Cowboys’ $136 million player has even said he’s not the offense’s No. 1, but that the two are “co-one” receivers. He’s worked with Pickens in the offseason while telling the media “he’s not as crazy” as reports from his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers indicated. 

And things are going so well that Lamb claims it’s not going to be a one-year partnership.

“I’m glad he’s here, he knows I love him the most—I tell him every day,” Lamb told reporters Wednesday. “I’m happy for him, and I hope we go together for however many years. I don’t care how many, I just know we’re not doing this for one.”

The comment naturally puts some pressure on the Cowboys, who aren’t expected to extend Pickens prior to the upcoming season. A good year would likely boost Pickens’ price tag well beyond the range the front office would be willing to pay. Lamb confidently telling the media he “knows” Pickens is sticking around for at least one more year is a breath of fresh air. A true No. 1 receiver taking a stance for “his guy” is a sign of camaraderie. 

These two teammates have passed every test so far. Now it’s about staying content with their situations once the regular season is underway and targets are distributed throughout games, sometimes less evenly than others. 

It sounds like Lamb is ready to share, though. Part of the reason why is he’s enjoying the mentor role.

“I remember when I was on Hard Knocks when I was young, and that’s when I got my hard introduction to what it’s like to be on the Dallas Cowboys,” Lamb said. “I was genuinely asking (Amari Cooper) questions about how to beat guys, how to run certain types of routes.”

“And the fact that I’m now in this position, in this light, with the success I’ve had in this league—I look back on moments like that, and it’s kind of exciting. I’m happy I had guys like that, and I want to be that guy for these younger guys. I want to see them perform and be excellent, be great, be remembered in this league—because it doesn’t last long.”

With comments like wanting Pickens to be around beyond 2025 and with his actions on the field, Lamb is proving he means it. How that leadership continues to show up.