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Ryan Flournoy entered the NFL with little fanfare as sixth-round draft pick, but that has quickly changed.
After a breakout 2025 campaign, the Dallas Cowboys wide receiver is beginning to earn national recognition. Athlon sports recently named Flournoy one of the NFL’s biggest secret weapons entering the 2026 season, highlighting just how important he could become in Brian Schottenheimer’s offense.
While CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens will draw most of the attention, Flournoy may be the player who quietly helps take the Cowboys passing attack to another level.
A breakout season put Flournoy on the map
Flournoy proved in 2025 that he belongs in Dallas’ long-term plans.
He finished the season with 475 receiving yards and four touchdowns, making the most of his opportunities despite playing behind Lamb and Pickens. Every week, he seemed to become a more reliable target for Dak Prescott, showing the ability to make contested catches, move the chains and create plays after the catch.
Those performances were enough for Athlon Sports' Doug Farrar to recognize him as one of the league’s top under-the-radar playmakers heading into 2026.
For a player who had to earn everything since arriving in Dallas, it’s another sign that his hard work is paying off.
Why Flournoy could be even better in 2026
The Cowboys don’t need Flournoy to become their No. 1 receiver.
That’s exactly what makes him dangerous.
With Lamb commanding double teams and Pickens expected to see plenty of attention on the outside, Flournoy should continue finding favorable one-on-one matchups. If defenses focus too heavily on Dallas' top two receivers, Prescott won’t hesitate to find his dependable third option.
Flournoy has already shown he can capitalize when his number is called. Another offseason in Schottenheimer’s system should only improve his chemistry with Prescott and expand his role within the offense.
If his development continues, opposing defenses won’t be able to overlook him much longer.
Dallas has found an ideal complementary receiver
Every successful offense needs more than star power.
The Cowboys know what they’ll get from Lamb and expect Pickens to make a major impact, but championship-caliber offenses are often built on players who consistently make winning plays without demanding the spotlight.
That’s where Flournoy fits.
Whether it’s converting a third down, making a contested catch in the red zone or taking advantage of a defense focused elsewhere, he has become the type of receiver every quarterback wants on the field.
He doesn’t need to put up 1,000 receiving yards to make a significant impact.
