The Seattle Seahawks have given wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba a monster extension, which makes him the highest-paid in the market, and that could complicate the future of George Pickens with the Dallas Cowboys. Earlier this offseason, the Cowboys tagged Pickens, which pays him more for at least one season, but he might demand a higher contract than expected after the Smith-Njigba news. Dallas, unfortunately, probably dug itself into a hole where they have to now pay at least near what the Seahawks just paid. Smith-Njigba leads the market ahead of Bengals Ja’Marr Chase and Vikings Justin Jefferson, so if the Cowboys want a long-term future with Pickens, they probably will need to break the bank.
Seahawks Jaxon Smith-Njigba Extension Could Force Cowboys George Pickens Trade
If you’ve been a fan of the Cowboys or have been monitoring closely, you’d know Jerry Jones and the front office team haven’t been able to pull the trigger. Although Jones will be willing to work with Pickens at some point, the wide receiver could become dissatisfied as early as before the 2026 regular season. Pickens hasn’t shown any unwillingness to play this upcoming season, but that could easily change right when OTAs begin.
The receiver isn’t expected to participate once the 2026 NFL Draft is over. However, if the Pickens skips any mandatory practice afterwards, it will likely become a problem. To that point, the Cowboys might regret not re-signing Pickens to a four-year deal to keep him a part of this offense. After having a breakout in 2025, the receiver should be able to put on another blossoming campaign.
When Could a Trade Happen?
There isn’t any report of a trade, but the price has definitely gone up. As of right now, the Cowboys and Pickens have until July 15 to get a multiyear deal done. Unfortunately for Dallas, the team will only hurt itself the longer they wait. A trade is likely the case and don’t be surprised if it gets done right before the 2026 campaign, similar to what happened to Micah Parsons last offseason.
Two Suitors Emerge
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers have the financial means to trade for Pickens and give him the extension he is looking for. However, the team has a “logjam” in their receiver unit, which will likely lead to Los Angeles trading Quentin Johnston. The Cowboys probably won’t be interested, but the team could demand at least two first-round picks and a second rounder for Pickens.
Pickens will get a fresh start for a team that needs a WR1 to help Ladd McConkey. Justin Herbert would finally have some fiery weapons to lead this Chargers offense to a Super Bowl.
New England Patriots
Meanwhile, the Patriots have the bag to get a deal done for Pickens. If plans fall apart with AJ Brown via a trade, the Patriots could target Pickens in a deal that Dallas won’t be able to turn down. New England already has Romeo Doubs and Kayshon Boutte as two explosive weapons, and getting Pickens in the mix would be like a dream come true for Drake Maye.