It just wouldn’t be a Dallas Cowboys offseason without a high-stakes contract storyline-and this year, the spotlight’s shifting from CeeDee Lamb to George Pickens. After a breakout season that earned him second-team All-Pro honors, Pickens is now in line for a major payday.
The numbers speak for themselves: 93 catches, 1,429 yards, nine touchdowns. That’s not just production-that’s leverage.
But there’s a $100 million subplot hanging over all of this, and it’s tied directly to Lamb. The five-time Pro Bowler is currently the third-highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL, pulling in $34 million per year with $100 million guaranteed. Only Ja'Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson sit above him on the salary ladder.
So naturally, the question surfaces: How would Lamb feel if Pickens’ next deal matches-or even surpasses-his own?
Turns out, Lamb isn’t sweating it.
When asked directly by Jason Minnix of 94.1 San Antonio’s Sports Star whether he’d be okay with Pickens potentially earning more, Lamb didn’t hesitate.
“Nah, I don't care about that,” Lamb said. “I just want my man to get what he deserves.
As for me, I know I'm good. I'm fine.
Me and my family, we're straight, and I just want to compete at the highest level, and I want to compete for a ring. As for GP, he's well-deserving.
He deserves every penny that he gets. And if he gets more than me, I'm gonna congrats him on that.”
That’s the kind of response that resonates in a locker room. It’s not just about humility-it’s about leadership.
Lamb’s already been taken care of by the front office, and he’s not looking over his shoulder. He’s looking across the field, knowing that the Cowboys are at their best when Pickens is lined up alongside him.
From the moment Pickens landed in Dallas, Lamb has been in his corner. Their chemistry off the field mirrors what they’ve built on it.
Lamb understands the value Pickens brings to the offense, and he’s not interested in playing the comparison game. Around the league, the idea that top receivers are constantly battling egos over contracts is often overstated.
Most players want to see their teammates get paid-and Lamb’s comments are a textbook example of that.
Now, let’s not ignore the numbers. Lamb’s production dipped slightly this past season, but context matters.
He missed three full games with an ankle sprain and left early in Week 3 against the Bears. So, effectively, he played in just 13 full games.
Even so, he still managed 75 catches for 1,077 yards and three touchdowns. That’s good for 11th in total receiving yards, and when you zoom in on yards per game, Lamb’s 76.9 ranked sixth across the league.
That’s elite company.
More importantly, Lamb and Pickens complement each other in a way that gives Dallas one of the most dynamic receiver duos in the NFL. Pickens is a prototypical X receiver-a vertical threat who can win on the outside and stretch the field.
Lamb, on the other hand, is a Swiss Army knife. He can line up anywhere-outside, in the slot, in motion-and create mismatches all over the field.
Together, they force defenses to pick their poison.
If there were any lingering doubts in the Cowboys' front office about how Lamb might react to Pickens getting a massive deal, those should be gone now. Lamb made it clear: he’s focused on championships, not contract rankings.
And for Jerry Jones, who’s no stranger to navigating high-profile negotiations, this should make things a whole lot easier. Pickens has earned his shot at a major extension.
Lamb’s already got his. Now it’s about keeping both happy, healthy, and hungry-because if Dallas wants to make a serious run, they’ll need both of these stars firing on all cylinders.
Bottom line? Pay the man.