What would a George Pickens contract be like in 2026?

[Flamma]

I'd look at it like taking a shot. Could we win with him? Possibly. Could we resign him if he behaves and likes playing here? Possibly. Taking a shot. With the added bonus of having a fallback plan of getting a draft pick back if it doesn't work out.

That's the thing. My main problem is the fallback plan. The fallback plan is after him having a great season. Of course he's going to be on his best behavior. The Cowboys aren't paying him 35-40M next season.

 

[Angus12]

That's the thing. My main problem is the fallback plan. The fallback plan is after him having a great season. Of course he's going to be on his best behavior. The Cowboys aren't paying him 35-40M next season.

I doubt they are only thinking of him as a one year rental. I have very little doubt that they'd wouldn't want to sign him long term. BUT... If that doesn't work out, the fallback plan is pretty good to have in your back pocket.

And nobody said they'd be paying him 35-40 mil per. Nobody thinks he'll be paid right alongside J. Chase as the highest paid WR in the NFL. No point in making stuff up just to try and strengthen an argument.

 

[beware_d-ware]

If Pickens' next season looks like his last three - 60'ish catches, 1000 yards, lots of big downfield plays, and fights with the other team - I figure he'll get a contract paying about $25M/yr.

To throw out some comparisons, Tee Higgins is getting $29M/yr, Jaylen Waddle is getting $28M/yr Devonta Smith is getting $25M/yr, and Chris Godwin is getting $22M/yr. They're all high-end WR2s consistently putting up around 1,000 yards per year, and they probably have the talent to do more in a feature role.

Pickens isn't as complete of a receiver as Higgins, Waddle, or Smith - he's solely a deep guy, while they're all 3 level beasts - but he's also younger and healthier than Godwin. I think $25M sounds about right.

 

[Flamma]

I doubt they are only thinking of him as a one year rental. I have very little doubt that they'd wouldn't want to sign him long term. BUT... If that doesn't work out, the fallback plan is pretty good to have in your back pocket.

And nobody said they'd be paying him 35-40 mil per. Nobody thinks he'll be paid right alongside J. Chase as the highest paid WR in the NFL. No point in making stuff up just to try and strengthen an argument.

That's the entire argument. That's the only thing I was afraid of. If he proves to be a top end WR, he's going to want top dollar. His market value is 25M right now. If it says like that, no harm done.