As the Dallas Cowboys navigate a season where their top-ranked offence is being undermined by a bottom-tier defense, the looming contract situation of wide receiver George Pickens presents a major financial dilemma for owner Jerry Jones.
With Pickens entering the final year of his rookie deal (which runs through 2025), the Cowboys must soon decide whether to commit to paying two top-10 receivers, a decision that could dramatically impact their ability to address their defensive deficiencies.
George Pickens has exploded since his trade from Pittsburgh, proving himself to be a dynamic, high-end WR2, and his market value is rapidly climbing above the projected $29 million per year.
© Scott Kinser
Projecting Pickens’ blockbuster payday
Given his stellar 2025 performance (which includes six touchdowns and over 600 yards), his asking price is set to be near the league's elite receivers.
Experts suggest a new deal for Pickens could look similar to the one signed by Tee Higgins or approach the deals signed by Jaylen Waddle.
Contract Projection (Estimated) Annual Value (APY) Total Contract Value Guaranteed Money
Projection based on current WR1A market $29 million to $34 million $116 Million - $136 Million $70 Million+
If Pickens pushes for a figure near CeeDee Lamb’s $34 million APY, it would place an unprecedented financial burden on the Cowboys' salary cap.
Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The Cap Conundrum Defense vs. Offensive Stars
The real issue for the Dallas Cowboys is the balancing act between retaining offensive firepower and addressing defensive holes, especially after the trade of Micah Parsons.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
With Dak Prescott already at the top of the QB salary charts and CeeDee Lamb signed to a lucrative four-year, $136 million extension, adding a receiver in the $30 million+ per year range would push the Cowboys’ committed offensive spending to historic highs.
As one analyst noted, that $29 million per year earmarked for Pickens could instead finance several quality defensive starters, the exact area where the team is currently ranked last in the NFL.
For Jerry Jones, the choice is stark: Pay a second receiver like a top-three player in the league to create an unstoppable offence, or utilise that cap space to acquire the defensive difference-makers needed to secure a championship run.
More Cowboys news: