The stakes just got higher for the Cowboys when it comes to George Pickens. With the Seattle Seahawks locking in Jaxon Smith-Njigba on a four-year, $168.6 million deal-averaging about $42 million per year-Pickens and his agent, David Mulugheta, are undoubtedly taking notes.
Currently, Pickens is franchise-tagged at just over $27 million for the 2026 season. But with JSN's new contract setting a fresh benchmark, there's a growing buzz that George might aim for $40 million or even more. This has certainly raised eyebrows in Dallas.
The once-dismissed idea of the Cowboys trading Pickens is now gaining traction. If George demands a contract that rivals or exceeds JSN’s, Dallas faces a tough decision: should they sign him to a colossal deal or consider a trade?
Our insider, Mike Fisher, sheds light on why this shift in the receiver market has many in the Cowboys' camp feeling uneasy. "This wouldn't be nearly as worrisome without the Micah thing," Fisher points out.
Historically, the Cowboys have managed to finalize deals, albeit after some drawn-out negotiations, as seen with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. However, Micah Parsons' situation marked a departure from that pattern, where the delay cost them significantly.
The concern now is whether the Cowboys will repeat this pattern with Pickens. While there's still hope for a resolution, JSN's contract has certainly muddied the waters.
Cowboys fans are left wondering if history will repeat itself or if the franchise will find a way to secure Pickens without the drama. As it stands, the pressure is on Dallas to make a decisive move.