George Pickens’ next contract is starting to take shape, and the number could land near the very top of the wide receiver market. After a breakout season in Dallas and a new benchmark set by Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the conversation has shifted from whether Pickens deserves to be paid to how much he should command. One NFL insider believes that number will be significant.
Where George Pickens’ Next Contract Could Rank Among Top Wide Receivers
Speaking on CBS Sports, NFL insider Jonathan Jones outlined where Pickens could land financially as the wide receiver market continues to climb.
“So I would probably say, if I had to put, if I’m looking at my crystal ball here, that Puka will replace Jaxon Smith-Njigba at the top at some point before they start playing games in September,” Jones said. “And then I would say that George Pickens is gonna be somewhere around Justin Jefferson and CeeDee Lamb.”
That projection places Pickens firmly in elite company. Jefferson and Lamb represent the standard for top-tier wide receiver contracts, and being mentioned in that range signals just how much Pickens’ value has grown.
Jones also pointed to a potential complication for Dallas. Paying a receiver acquired from outside the organization more than a homegrown star like Lamb is not always a simple decision.
“That’s where the difficulty… that’s where the rub may be for the Dallas Cowboys,” Jones said. “Do you pay George Pickens more than CeeDee Lamb?”
That’s where this gets real for Dallas as the potential for even more Cowboys drama looms.
Why Pickens’ Production Justifies a Massive New Contract
Pickens delivered the best season of his career in his first year with the Cowboys. He finished with 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and 9 touchdowns.
The advanced metrics support what showed up on film. Pickens ranked No. 3 in PFSN’s Wide Receiver Impact Metric with an 88.4 grade, trailing only Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Puka Nacua.
Dallas is now dealing with two receivers who can both make a case for top-of-market value.
Timing plays a major role here. Smith-Njigba’s extension reset the market, and another deal at the top could happen before the season begins. Each new contract raises the ceiling, which increases urgency for teams trying to lock in deals before the next jump, even though the Cowboys are known for moving at their own pace with contract extensions.
Dallas used the franchise tag to keep Pickens in place for the 2026 season, giving the organization time to evaluate its long-term decision. The tag guarantees his presence but does not solve the larger question.
Pickens arrived in Dallas with questions about consistency and maturity from his time in Pittsburgh. His first season answered many of those concerns on the field, but committing long-term requires confidence that the level of play will continue.
BE AN NFL GM: PFSN’s Ultimate GM Simulator
Quarterback Dak Prescott understands that process firsthand. He encouraged Pickens to stay focused and trust his performance as negotiations continue, echoing the same approach he took during his own contract situation.
Pickens now sits in a strong position. Another season like the last one could push his value even higher and remove any remaining doubt. The market is already moving, and if that trend continues, his next contract will place him among the highest-paid receivers in the NFL.
