George Pickens Is Forcing the Cowboys Into a Big Decision - and a Bigger Payday
When the Cowboys traded for George Pickens, they knew they were betting on talent. What they didn’t know-what no one could know for sure-was whether that talent would finally come with consistency, maturity, and production to match.
Now, a few months later, Pickens has delivered in a big way. And with every catch, every touchdown, and every defensive back he leaves trailing in his wake, the price tag for his next contract keeps climbing.
Pickens Is Earning His Payday - and Then Some
Pickens isn’t just having a breakout season-he’s putting up numbers that place him firmly among the league’s elite. He’s second in the NFL with 1,142 receiving yards and ranks third in touchdown receptions with eight.
Add in his 73 catches (tied for seventh-most in the league), and it’s clear: this isn’t a hot streak. It’s a statement.
According to Spotrac’s Michael Ginnitti, Pickens’ market value has surged to $31.25 million per year, projecting toward a four-year, $125 million extension. That’s not just WR1 money-that’s superstar money.
And the way he’s playing, it’s hard to argue he doesn’t deserve it.
More Than Just a Slant Route Guy
One of the early knocks on Pickens was that he was a one-trick pony-a slant-and-go receiver who thrived on athleticism but lacked polish. That narrative’s out the window now.
Under offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, Pickens has become a versatile weapon. He’s lining up all over the field-outside, in the slot, wherever the Cowboys need a mismatch.
And he’s winning with more than just speed. His route tree has expanded, and so has his impact.
He’s torching defenses on go routes, making contested grabs, and showing a level of chemistry with Dak Prescott that’s only grown as the season’s gone on.
A New Dynamic Duo in Dallas
It’s been six years since the Cowboys had two receivers top 1,000 yards in the same season-Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup pulled it off back in 2019. This year, Pickens and CeeDee Lamb have reignited that kind of firepower, and then some.
Lamb is still the face of the receiving corps, but Pickens is closing the gap. He stepped up in a major way when Lamb missed time, operating as the team’s top target and looking every bit the part.
If Lamb is Batman, Pickens isn’t Robin-he’s more like Nightwing. Not a sidekick, but a co-star.
The Character Concerns Haven’t Disappeared-But the Talent Is Undeniable
Let’s not pretend the concerns around Pickens have vanished. His time in Pittsburgh was marked by sideline outbursts and questions about his maturity.
But something seems to have clicked in Dallas. Maybe it’s the culture.
Maybe it’s the opportunity. Maybe it’s knowing he’s playing for a contract.
Whatever the reason, Pickens has been locked in-and the results speak for themselves.
That doesn’t mean the Cowboys can ignore the past. They’ll have to weigh the long-term risks, especially with money tight after the Quinnen Williams trade. But the longer they wait, the more expensive this decision becomes.
What Comes Next?
The Cowboys were smart to take a wait-and-see approach before offering Pickens an extension. But now they’ve seen. And what they’re seeing is one of the most dynamic young receivers in the league, playing at an All-Pro level, and building real chemistry in an offense that suddenly looks dangerous again.
If Dallas wants to keep this one-two punch intact-and keep their window open-they’ll need to make a move soon. Because George Pickens isn’t just playing for a contract.
He’s playing like he’s worth every dollar of it.