Cowboys' George Pickens makes extension decision amid contract situation
Context:
The Dallas Cowboys have made a strategic move by trading for wide receiver George Pickens, giving up draft picks in the process. Pickens, who will become a free agent at the end of the season, has decided against pursuing a contract extension immediately, preferring to enhance his market value through performance. He is in the final year of his rookie contract and is projected to secure a lucrative new deal, potentially worth $101 million over four years. Despite having played with several different quarterbacks, Pickens has consistently posted impressive statistics, benefiting from the stable presence of a quarterback like Dak Prescott. With fellow receiver CeeDee Lamb drawing defensive attention, a breakout season for Pickens could increase his value significantly, posing a potential financial challenge for the Cowboys if they delay extension talks.
Dive Deeper:
George Pickens was acquired by the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a third-round draft pick and a future Day 3 pick swap, highlighting the team's aggressive approach to enhance their receiving corps.
Pickens is focusing on increasing his value this season rather than seeking an immediate contract extension, aiming to prove himself as a top-tier receiver in the league.
Currently in the final year of his rookie deal, Pickens is projected to command a new four-year contract worth approximately $101 million, which would place him among the top-paid receivers.
Over his career, Pickens has managed to deliver strong performance metrics despite having played with five different quarterbacks, indicating his adaptability and skill.
The presence of Dak Prescott, a consistent quarterback, alongside the defensive focus on CeeDee Lamb, positions Pickens for a potential career year, which could significantly boost his market value.
If Pickens delivers a standout performance at the age of 24, he may surpass his current projected contract worth, underscoring the financial implications for the Cowboys in delaying extension negotiations.
Without securing Pickens long-term, the Cowboys risk losing him after just one season, effectively rendering their trade investment a short-term rental if not resolved.
The Dallas Cowboys traded for George Pickens in an aggressive move. He will be a free agent after the season and has decided where he stands on a potential extension.
The Cowboys gave up a third-round pick in next year's draft, along with a Day 3 pick swap in 2027, to land Pickens. DLLS Sports' Clarence Hill Jr. reported that Pickens is not looking for an extension right now, but rather wants to raise his value even more this season.
"Per source on the need for a possible contract extension following the trade, new Cowboys WR George Pickens isn’t 'looking to do one. Wants to show he’s a top guy this year,'" Hill wrote on X.
Pickens is in the final year of his rookie deal and Spotrac projects him to earn a four-year, $101 million deal. A $101 million deal would be the ninth-highest total value among receivers. He had a 1,000-yard season in 2023 and had 900 yards last season, playing in just 14 games. The Cowboys will have to find a way to keep him around, otherwise, they will have traded a Day 2 pick for a one-year rental.
Pickens has put up good numbers in his career despite playing with five different quarterbacks. Kenny Pickett, Justin Fields, Mitchell Trubisky, Mason Rudolph and Russell Wilson do not really compare to Dak Prescott. Pickens seems to know the type of year he can have with a consistent quarterback.
Pickens will also have the benefit of CeeDee Lamb drawing most of the attention from defenses. If he has a breakout year, at just 24 years old, he could end up getting more than his current projection. On the other hand, the longer Dallas waits to get an extension started, the more it could cost them.
More NFL: Cowboys' Micah Parsons predicted to sign record-breaking 5-year contract extension