The Dallas Cowboys are navigating a difficult salary cap situation as Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb currently account for nearly 37% of the team’s salary cap. This financial pressure forced the team to trade Micah Parsons just before last season, and now a similar dilemma arises following George Pickens‘ breakout year with the team.
Lamb, a key wide receiver for the Cowboys, has expressed strong support for securing Pickens’ future with the team, signaling that he wants the organization to prioritize Pickens’ contract extension.
Veteran Voices Advocate for Locking in George Pickens
Lamb spoke with Fox News Digital, emphasizing his desire to see Pickens rewarded appropriately by the Cowboys.
“Let’s make that happen,”
Lamb stated.
Meanwhile, former Cowboys star Michael Irvin also weighed in, urging the team’s management to act promptly to retain Pickens in Arlington.
[Jerry Jones has] been on the brink with a lot of things, but this year, you have an ability to create a lot of room, a lot of cap. And I think they gotta make a run for it. You got to go and sign George Pickens, and you got to do it early so he can get to training camp and get that second year in,
Irvin said.
And then, you gotta turn all attention to that defense, and then you’ll have a chance.
George Pickens’ Breakout Performance Spurs Contract Discussions
After being traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Cowboys last year, Pickens delivered the best season of his career. He recorded 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns in 2025. Despite being a free agent—since the Steelers declined his fifth-year option—Pickens’ value on the open market has soared, with estimates around $30 million annually, a sharp increase from his previous $1.6 million salary.
Playing alongside Lamb, who has solidified his role as a top target, Pickens’ impact was notable. Prescott, connecting frequently with his receivers, amassed 4,552 passing yards during the season, marking the second-highest total of his career and leading the league with 404 completed passes. The Pickens-Lamb combination has become a critical element of the Cowboys’ offense.
Implications for Team Strategy and Future Planning
The Cowboys are now at a crossroads in managing their roster and cap space as they prepare for upcoming seasons. Locking up a rising star like George Pickens is crucial for maintaining offensive strength. With veteran leaders like CeeDee Lamb and Michael Irvin publicly urging contract action, management faces pressure to make timely decisions that balance payroll constraints with retaining key talent.
Addressing Pickens’ contract promptly would allow him to participate fully in training camp, fostering continuity and growth heading into the next season. Meanwhile, the team must also refocus efforts on strengthening its defense to sustain overall competitiveness.
