The Dallas Cowboys struck gold with George Pickens, for now.
The former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver led the team with a career-high 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns in his first season with the organization.
Then, against all odds, he agreed to return on the franchise tag. He’s slated to make roughly $27 million next season, less than what he could’ve gotten with a long-term deal.
However, that doesn’t mean the Cowboys will be in the clear for much longer. If anything, he’s keeping a close eye on what other stars are getting, and he intends to get his money in due time.
George Pickens will look for top-dollar in his next contract
“Definitely something that the other guys are getting, you know what I mean? Because that’s all that 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 told CBS Sports.
The Cowboys will have to pay up if they want to keep him around. Of course, they can tag him again, but that would most likely force his hand to request a trade or hold out until he gets the deal he wants and deserves.
Seattle Seahawks star Jaxon Smith-Njigba just signed a four-year, $168 million contract extension, resetting the market after Ja’Marr Chase’s $161 million contract.
The Los Angeles Rams are also expected to give Puka Nacua a market-altering deal at some point.
Pickens is betting on himself and showing some good faith and a legitimate desire to stay with the Cowboys.
They said from the beginning that they wouldn’t give him a new deal and that he’d have to earn it, but instead of forcing his way out, he’s putting his head down and getting to work.
Of course, this comes with risks, as he might not be able to replicate that production or could get hurt.
However, if that’s not the case, he might be the league’s highest-earning wide receiver at some point in the future.
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