Star wide receiver George Pickens has offered his clearest indication yet of what he believes his next NFL contract should look like.
While the Dallas Cowboys wide receiver avoided naming a specific dollar figure, he made it clear that he expects to be paid in line with the league’s top receivers whenever contract negotiations reopen.
George Pickens believes his next deal should match the NFL’s top receivers
Speaking with CBS Sports during training camp, Pickens was asked where he sees his market value compared to other star wideouts. “Definitely something that the other guys are getting cause that’s all I can really look forward to. I can’t really ask for nothing too crazy, but just what I see. So definitely somewhere where the other guys are getting,” Pickens said.
That comment comes after a busy offseason for the wide receiver market, with several elite pass catchers signing extensions worth between $33 million and $42 million per season. While Pickens did not attach a number to his own value, his remarks suggest he expects his next deal to fall within that same neighborhood.
The exact figure will likely depend on how he performs during the 2026 season, but the market around the league has already established a benchmark for negotiations.
Cowboys already know the starting point for future negotiations
Dallas placed Pickens on the franchise tag earlier this offseason, meaning he will play the 2026 campaign on a fully guaranteed one-year deal before becoming eligible for long-term negotiations again next offseason. Because the franchise tag deadline has passed, the Cowboys cannot negotiate a new extension until after the 2026 season is over.
Recent deals around the NFL have only strengthened Pickens’ negotiating position. Chris Olave‘s four-year, $132 million extension, averaging $33 million annually, is widely viewed as the minimum starting point for premium receivers entering contract talks.
If Pickens builds on last season’s production, his asking price could climb even higher.
Jerry Jones has made his intentions clear
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has repeatedly praised Pickens throughout training camp, even suggesting the star receiver could remain in Dallas for the rest of his career.
Those comments were well received by Pickens: “Super excited. I’m always super happy when someone thinks highly of me, so shout-out to Jerry.” Jones previously said he hopes Pickens has the best season of his career, believing a productive year would benefit both the player and the organization.
But Pickens remains focused on football despite contract questions
Although his future contract will remain one of Dallas’ biggest storylines throughout the season, Pickens insists his attention has stayed on football rather than negotiations.
He said he left the contract discussions to his representatives while spending the offseason preparing for another year with the Cowboys.
That approach follows a breakout 2025 campaign in which Pickens established himself as one of the league’s premier receivers, recording 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns while helping Dallas field one of the NFL’s most productive passing attacks.
Now entering another season alongside Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, Pickens believes the offense still has room to improve.
With extension talks on hold until next offseason, every big performance in 2026 could push his value even closer to the top of the receiver market. His latest comments leave little doubt about where he believes he belongs when those negotiations finally begin.