Heading into the 2026 NFL offseason, the Dallas Cowboys were expected to lock up star wide receiver George Pickens with a long-term deal, but instead placed the franchise tag on him. Now, following Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s record-breaking extension with the Seattle Seahawks, Skip Bayless believes drama could begin to build between Pickens and the organization.
Why Skip Bayless Predicts a Contract Dispute Between Pickens and the Cowboys
On Monday afternoon, Underdog’s show, “The Arena: Gridiron,” featuring Bayless and other NFL analysts, came together to discuss several offseason moves, notably including Smith-Njigba’s recent contract extension.
Bayless, as he always does, shifted the focus to the Cowboys and the organization’s plan for Pickens. “This is going to be a big, ongoing problem for the Cowboys because Pickens is going to want his money and want it now.”
“Just because you are tagged doesn’t mean you can’t negotiate through camp. They are going to start making waves, and he’s not going to be a happy camper come July and August,” he added.
Pickens, who has earned a “diva” reputation over his four-year career with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cowboys, could very well create drama during contract negotiations. Bayless noted his doubts about Pickens playing happily on a one-year deal. While Pickens hasn’t made any public comments about the franchise tag, it’s fair to expect the situation to resurface once the season begins.
At the same time, Pickens has a strong case for a major payday. In his first season in Dallas, the 25-year-old recorded 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns. According to PFSN’s metrics, he posted an 88.4 WR Impact Score, ranking third among all pass-catchers.
Pickens finished ahead of superstar teammate CeeDee Lamb in all three receiving categories. Lamb, who signed an extension in August 2024, is currently the fourth-highest-paid wide receiver at $34 million annually, and Pickens, who proved just as productive, could see a deal in a similar range.
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Unfortunately for Pickens and Cowboys fans, owner and general manager Jerry Jones has a reputation for being unpredictable in contract situations. This past offseason, he sent Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for two first-round picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark.
By placing the franchise tag on Pickens, though, the Cowboys seem to be working toward a long-term agreement. Securing a deal soon would benefit both sides, and with Dak Prescott, Pickens, Lamb, and a potentially improved defense, Dallas may make some noise in the NFC East in 2026.
