The Dallas Cowboys ended their 2025 season with a disappointing 7-9-1 record, missing the playoffs and leaving the team with significant choices this offseason. One pressing matter is negotiating a contract extension for wide receiver George Pickens, whose value has risen considerably following his breakout year.
George Pickens Sees His Market Value Climbing
After an impressive 2025 performance, Pickens expressed confidence that his worth has increased.
“I feel like, if anything, it went up,”
he said, per Cowboys staff writer Tommy Yarrish.
“But me personally, my value is just a playmaker type of guy. I feel like any team or wherever I play, I can be playing in Canada, I just want them to know that I’m definitely a playmaker.”
Picked up from Pittsburgh in exchange for a third-round pick, Pickens established himself as a key offensive weapon. He recorded career highs with 93 receptions, 1,429 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns during the regular season, firmly proving his impact on the Cowboys’ offense.
Contract Extension Could Carry a High Cost
Pickens’ rookie contract expired at the end of 2025, making a substantial new deal necessary for him to remain in Dallas. According to Over the Cap, his anticipated market value is around $31.67 million per year, placing him among the league’s elite receivers, close to teammate CeeDee Lamb’s $34 million annual contract.
Team Leaders Stress Retaining Key Offensive Players
Despite the potential financial burden, many players on the Cowboys want to keep Pickens on the roster. Quarterback Dak Prescott highlighted the importance of securing top talent on offense while addressing defensive struggles. Without naming Pickens explicitly, Prescott emphasized this priority in a pre-Pro Bowl interview.
“We know we got to get that (defensive) side of the ball right,”
Prescott told reporters, per The Athletic’s Jon Machota and Jayna Bardahl.
“But we got to make sure that we aren’t complacent with what we’ve done on our side of the ball. We’ve got to get one of our guys signed and make sure that we take a big step on offense as well.”
Long-Term Agreement Necessary to Maintain Offensive Strength
The Cowboys face a clear challenge: signing Pickens to a long-term deal is critical for preserving the offense’s upward trajectory. Failure to reach an agreement could result in a significant setback for the team as it attempts to rebound from a difficult season and regain playoff contention.
