Cowboys get major George Pickens boost as receiver makes intentions clear
The Dallas star could be playing his way toward one of the biggest receiver contracts in football.
George Pickens enters the 2026 season with plenty at stake, but the Dallas Cowboys may ultimately benefit from exactly that.
Pickens is playing on the franchise tag worth around $27.3 million after Dallas decided not to negotiate a long-term deal before the deadline.
That leaves the 25-year-old with another season to prove his breakout 2025 campaign wasn't a one-off before potentially hitting the open market.
Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox believes another big year could lead to a four-year, $142 million contract.
"Pickens is also still only 25 years old," Knox wrote.
George Pickens has huge contract motivation
Pickens produced the best season of his career in 2025, catching 93 passes for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns during his first year with Dallas.
But Knox believes consistency will determine whether he reaches the very top of the receiver market.
"However, Pickens will need to show that he can consistently produce at a Pro Bowl level to earn a top-of-the-market deal," Knox wrote.
That gives Dallas a highly motivated receiver alongside CeeDee Lamb .
Pickens ' previous reputation will also remain part of the conversation after three inconsistent seasons with Pittsburgh and questions about his behavior.
"His production fluctuated during his three seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Pittsburgh was willing to trade him for third- and fifth-round picks last offseason," Knox wrote.
Cowboys could benefit before massive payday
The contract prediction is still only that, but another Pro Bowl-level season would put Pickens in an extremely strong position.
"Former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin also questioned Pickens' ability to be a leader following the trade, which probably won't be forgotten by some team decision-makers," Knox wrote.
There is also a clear route to changing that perception.
"If Pickens has another Pro Bowl season while continuing to repair his locker-room reputation, he should be able to match recent receiver deals, like Drake London's four-year, $141.1 million extension, on the open market."
Pickens quickly signed his franchise tender in April, avoiding the kind of prolonged contract drama Dallas has dealt with before.
Now the equation is simple. If Pickens produces another elite season and keeps the focus on football, the Cowboys get another year of top-level production while he puts himself in position for a potentially enormous 2027 payday.
