The Dallas Cowboys have several items to address this offseason after enduring a disappointing 2025 campaign. The top priority heading into March's free agency period may be working out a contract extension with wide receiver George Pickens. Pickens is well-positioned to demand a lucrative extension.
The Cowboys' offseason trade for Pickens paid major dividends. He was at his statistical best with Dak Prescott as his quarterback and Brian Schottenheimer as his head coach. Pickens recorded career-bests across the board, securing 93 receptions for 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.
Pickens entered 2025 in the final year of his original rookie contract, signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Because he was a second-round pick, there was no fifth-year option. With the benefit of hindsight, Pickens is slated to benefit from the Cowboys' decision to let him play out the final year of his contract.
Cowboys haven't started contract talks with George Pickens' agent yet, per The Dallas Morning News pic.twitter.com/u37E9eq1YN
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) February 2, 2026
The Cowboys have the option of franchise tagging Pickens if long-term extension negotiations prove difficult. The tag would approximately pay Pickens $28 million guaranteed in 2026. It would mean the Cowboys are responsible for the complete cap charge, with no wiggle room to lower the immediate responsibility.
Fellow Cowboys Pro Bowl wideout CeeDee Lamb is due $25 million in base salary in 2026 and Prescott, offensive lineman Tyler Smith, and defensive tackle Kenny Clark are among those slated to carry sizable cap hits. The Cowboys are currently scheduled to be $28.9 million over the cap, according to OverTheCap. A long-term deal with Pickens that creatively spreads out the cap charges would be in the Cowboys' best interest.
That doesn't mean it'll be affordable, though. The wide receiver market has exploded in recent offseasons and Pickens is slated to benefit. He's well-positioned to command over $25 million per season.
DK Metcalf was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers last offseason and negotiated a five-year extension worth $32.9 million per season. Metcalf was coming off a 992-yard season, whereas Pickens is coming off a 1,400-yard campaign. It's worth noting Metcalf did have three prior 1,000-yard campaigns under his belt.
Garrett Wilson signed an extension worth $32.5 million and Amon-Ra St. Brown got $30 million per season. Terry McLaurin got $29 million per year after a lengthy holdout. Even if Pickens projects on the low end of these deals, he's slated for a major cash-in opportunity.
Pickens could sign a four-year extension worth roughly $114 million. That would pay the 2025 Pro Bowl debutant $28.5 million per campaign. Pickens would be the 12th-highest paid receiver in the league.
Pickens enjoyed a monstrous season in the Cowboys' high-octane offense. Retaining Pickens this offseason is key to securing continuity for Prescott and Schottenheimer, but the number-crunching will be difficult given Jerry Jones' other financial commitments. If an agreement over an extension is reached, expect it to arrive between $28.5 and $31 million per season.
