Son.Cowboys Star George Pickens Set for Blockbuster $30M+ Extension After Career-Best Season — But Jerry Jones Has One Major Problem.
The Dallas Cowboys’ gamble on George Pickens has paid off in spectacular fashion. The 24-year-old receiver ranks third in the NFL in receiving yards (1,420), third in catches for first downs (73), and tied for third in catches of 25-plus yards in what has been a career-defining season. Now comes the hard part: paying him.
From Pittsburgh Outcast to Dallas Superstar
When the Cowboys traded for Pickens last May, sending a 2026 third-round pick to Pittsburgh, there were serious questions about whether the talented but temperamental receiver could thrive in Dallas’ spotlight.
The answer? A resounding yes.
Pickens is second in the league in receiving yards with 908 through 10 games, on his way to a career season. He has the most receiving yards by a Cowboy not named CeeDee Lamb since Amari Cooper totaled 1,114 yards in 2020 Denver Broncos.
More impressively, Pickens leads the NFL with 12 receptions and 227 yards on tight-window targets Denver Broncos — proving he’s not just productive, but clutch.
The $30 Million Question
As of now, no contract talks have taken place, sources say. If Pickens is not the top receiver in free agency next offseason, then he’s at least in the conversation for that title Denver Broncos.
Spotrac projects Pickens could land a five-year, $153.7 million contract on the open market, which averages $30.8 million per year denversports. That would make him the sixth-highest-paid receiver in the league, alongside Justin Jefferson, Tyreek Hill, and teammate CeeDee Lamb.
Radio insider Gavin Dawson put it bluntly on 105.3 The Fan: “I think I need $140 million if I’m George Pickens. This cap is only going up. By 2028, 2029, that $30 million is going to be very low compared to where the top of this wide receiver market is going.” barstoolsports
Jerry Jones’ Nightmare Scenario
Here’s where it gets complicated — and potentially ugly.
Pickens’ agent is David Mulugheta, who also represents Micah Parsons Yahoo Sports. Remember how that ended? Jones and Mulugheta’s relationship broke down so badly that Jones released Parsons and traded him to the Packers barstoolsports.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler predicts the situation could get “sticky.” “The Cowboys are expected to franchise tag Pickens, which would pay him around $28 million next season. But Pickens will want a long-term deal above that number, and if Dallas doesn’t give him that, some around the league wonder whether he stays away from the team.” Fox News
Translation: another potential standoff between Jerry Jones and a star player.
What Dak and the Cowboys Want
There’s no ambiguity about what the team wants.
“I think that’d be a priority in the offseason,” Prescott said when asked about keeping Pickens. “I’m all-in for George having a long-term future with us.” cbssports
Even offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer weighed in: “I’m very in favor of George having a long-term future with us.” cbssports
Pickens himself said: “Definitely. The guys here and the culture here is just a little different. I feel like you cannot get that everywhere.” ESPN
Everyone wants this to work. The question is whether Jerry Jones can make it happen without another offseason circus.
The Cap Space Reality Check
The Cowboys currently have the least amount of projected salary-cap space in 2026 in the league, per Over The Cap Denver Broncos, which makes this even more difficult.
However, the deals signed by Jake Ferguson, DaRon Bland, and Tyler Smith were designed with the ability to create roughly $30 million in room in 2026. Add in contract restructures for Prescott and Lamb, and there could be more money cbssports.
It’s possible. But it requires Jerry to get creative — and to work with Mulugheta, the agent he publicly feuded with during Parsons’ negotiations.
What Pickens Is Saying
Unlike the drama with Parsons, Pickens is staying professional.
“Super prepared,” Pickens said. “I definitely leave that type of stuff to my agent because I let them talk the deals.” Yahoo Sports
He’s learned from watching Dak’s negotiations: let the agent handle Jerry, stay out of the media circus, and let your play do the talking.
The Bottom Line
George Pickens has earned every penny of a massive extension. He’s transformed Dallas’ offense, given CeeDee Lamb a legitimate partner, and proven he’s worth $30+ million per year.
Dallas wants to retain Pickens for 2026 and beyond, sources say Denver Broncos. The only questions are: how much will it cost, and can Jerry Jones avoid another public contract disaster?
One thing is certain: the only way to truly avoid any issues is for the Cowboys and Pickens to work out a long-term deal. This would be the best option for both parties Yahoo Sports.
If Jerry fumbles this one, Cowboys fans will never forgive him. ⭐
