Pickens long-term – An NFL insider says a long-term contract for George Pickens could force Dallas to “push the envelope” with CeeDee Lamb’s extension, creating a salary-cap squeeze that arrives with both receivers in the prime of their careers.
When the Dallas Cowboys picture their offense, CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens don’t look like a one-receiver fantasy—they look like a two-threat reality. Lamb has already become a five-time Pro Bowl selection, and Pickens earned his first Pro Bowl after his breakthrough season in Dallas.
But the path from talent to sustainability may hinge on timing and money.
Lamb signed a four-year, $136 million extension in August 2024, putting him under contract through 2028. Pickens, meanwhile, is under the franchise tag for the upcoming season, which means he will eventually need an extension of his own.
In a recent mailbag response to a fan’s question about whether Pickens could emerge as the No. 1 receiver in Dallas over Lamb, NFL insider Albert Breer laid out what a long-term Pickens deal could mean for Dallas’ negotiating posture with Lamb.
“If they sign Pickens long term. then I think it’ll be next March or so. ” Breer wrote via Sports Illustrated. “At that point, Pickens will be turning 26, and Lamb will be turning 28. So each will be in the prime of his career, and having both will have some appeal. Lamb’s cash also isn’t outrageous going forward—he’s due $29 million in 2027 and $31.99 million in 2028. So having those two together through 2028 is certainly feasible.”.
Feasible on paper, but Breer warned the challenge could show up fast if Pickens’ next payday follows a big on-field season—and drags Lamb’s number upward with it.
Breer continued: “But will Lamb be O.K. if Pickens gets. say. $40 million per year. presuming he repeats what he did in 2025 both on and off the field?……..If Lamb has a big year. will he push the envelope like other players have?. I’d say. sure. there’s a chance of that. and maybe even a better chance of it if Pickens gets a massive new deal.”.
That “prime of his career” window matters because both receivers are already producing at levels that make the Cowboys’ tough choices even more expensive.
Lamb appeared in 14 games in the 2025 season and finished with 75 receptions for 1,077 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Pickens hauled in 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns. Those are not quiet numbers—those are the kind that change what players believe they can get. and what teams feel they can afford.
By next March. Dallas’ front office could find itself negotiating with two top targets at the same time—one locked into a contract through 2028. the other heading toward a long-term decision after a franchise tag year. The Cowboys may be fortunate to have both on the field. The uncomfortable part is that the same luck could turn into a financial test if the market starts moving faster than their plans.
Dallas Cowboys CeeDee Lamb George Pickens franchise tag contract extension Albert Breer NFL rumors Pro Bowl salary cap