When the Dallas Cowboys acquired George Pickens before the 2025 NFL season, they aimed to add a serious weapon to their wide receiver corps. Through seven games, he has not only delivered on those expectations but has likely exceeded them, hauling 36 receptions for 607 yards and six touchdowns. But his stellar play creates a new, high-stakes problem for the front office.
What Does George Pickens’ Hot Start Mean for His Future in Dallas?
One potential issue looming over Pickens’ success is his playing on an expiring contract. This situation makes his long-term future unclear, but Cowboys owner Jerry Jones recently addressed the topic, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones on @1053thefan on getting a deal done with George Pickens: “Any and everything about George Pickens has crossed our minds. … Certainly he’s a topic of interest and discussions because of the success he’s having.”
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) October 21, 2025
That success has made George Pickens a major part of the Cowboys’ offense, which has been one of the best in the NFL this season. For years, the franchise has been searching for a legitimate weapon to pair with CeeDee Lamb, and the early returns suggest they have finally found one in the veteran receiver.
However, if this is a long-term solution, Jones will have to pay for it. Pickens is making less than $4 million this year, but when his deal expires in the offseason, he will surely be looking for a significant raise. This decision becomes more complex when considering other financial commitments.
For instance, Jones declined to sign star defender Micah Parsons to a contract extension this past offseason, so it will be interesting to see how he approaches his new offensive star, especially with Lamb already locked into a long-term deal. Pickens has been instrumental in helping Dak Prescott perform among the league’s top quarterbacks and is a key reason for the team’s respectable 3-3-1 record.
What Could a George Pickens Contract Extension Cost the Cowboys?
When speculating what George Pickens could receive in a contract extension, the Cincinnati Bengals offer a valuable comparison. The Bengals recently paid both of their top wide receivers, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, which could provide a blueprint for valuing an elite WR2 in negotiations.
In this scenario, Chase and Lamb represent two of the best overall wide receivers in the NFL, while Higgins and Pickens are among the league’s top secondary targets. Higgins signed a four-year deal worth $115 million earlier this year, which could be a starting point in potential negotiations between Pickens and Dallas.
Ultimately, it’s unclear if Pickens would be willing to accept that type of deal, or what he might command on the open market if he became a free agent. As Jerry Jones stated, the Cowboys are considering all their options, making this a situation to watch closely as the season progresses.
