The Cowboys have established stars expected to produce, leaving opportunities for players on the edge of larger roles. Three breakout candidates for 2026 are Ryan Flournoy, Donovan Ezeiruaku, and Marist Liufau, with Flournoy receiving the strongest bet. Flournoy’s path is shaped by CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens drawing coverage, while Jake Ferguson is expected to receive targets over the middle. With those factors, Flournoy can focus on winning matchups against nickel corners, safeties, and linebackers. After recording 40 catches, 475 yards, and four touchdowns in 2025, the WR3 role is presented as his to lose. A 2026 projection of 58 catches, 710 yards, and six touchdowns is offered as dependable breakout production.
"For me, the Cowboys have three breakout candidates worth watching in 2026: Ryan Flournoy, Donovan Ezeiruaku, and Marist Liufau. And if I had to bet on one, I'm riding with Ryan Flournoy. Ryan Flournoy has the Clearest Path I love the way the Cowboys' wide receiver room sets up for Ryan Flournoy. CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens are the big dogs, and they are going to eat. Jake Ferguson is going to get his looks over the middle. Which means Flournoy does not have to walk into 2026 and save the whole season by himself."
"Flournoy finished the 2025 season with 40 catches, 475 yards, and four touchdowns, and now the role of WR3 should be his to lose. Those may not sound like massive numbers, but for a player who was still carving out his role, those numbers are a big stepping stone. If defenses want to roll coverage toward Lamb, go right ahead. Shading towards Pickens, that's fine too. That will leave Flournoy working against nickel corners, safeties, and linebackers. I'll take that matchup all day and twice on Sunday."
"My stat prediction for Ryan Flournoy is 58 catches, 710 yards, and six touchdowns. Now, I know some folks will look at that and say, "That isn't superstar production." No kidding. That's not what I'm trying to say. A breakout season does not always mean a player turns into an All-Pro overnight. Sometimes a breakout is a guy becoming dependable, a player turning into a"
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