George Pickens contract projection ahead of Cowboys WR hitting free agency in 2026

The Dallas Cowboys have a tough decision to make regarding the future of wide receiver George Pickens after the 2025 season. As one of the team’s top offensive weapons, Pickens has proven himself as a valuable asset on the field, but his contract situation looms large as the team considers its long-term plans.

As Pickens enters the final year of his rookie contract, the Cowboys must weigh the cost of retaining him against the potential benefits of keeping him on the roster. With his performance on the field and his potential for growth, Pickens is likely to command a significant salary in his next contract. This raises questions about the team’s salary cap situation and whether they can afford to keep him.

In order to make an informed decision about Pickens’ future with the team, it is important to consider a number of factors. These include his performance on the field, his injury history, his potential for growth, and the team’s financial situation. By analyzing these factors, the Cowboys can determine the best course of action for Pickens and the team as a whole.

Pickens’ performance on the field is a key factor in determining his value to the Cowboys. Since being drafted by the team, Pickens has emerged as one of the top wide receivers in the league. He has consistently put up impressive numbers, making big plays and helping to drive the team’s offense. His chemistry with quarterback Dak Prescott has been a major factor in the team’s success, and his presence on the field has been a game-changer for the Cowboys.

In addition to his performance on the field, Pickens’ injury history is also a concern for the Cowboys. Throughout his career, Pickens has dealt with a number of injuries, including a torn ACL that sidelined him for a significant portion of the 2023 season. While he has shown resilience in coming back from these injuries, there is always a risk that he could suffer another setback. This raises questions about his long-term durability and whether he can be relied upon to stay healthy over the course of a new contract.

Despite these concerns, Pickens’ potential for growth is another factor that the Cowboys must consider. At just 25 years old, Pickens still has room to develop and improve as a player. His combination of size, speed, and athleticism make him a dangerous weapon on the field, and he has the potential to become an even more dominant force in the league. By investing in Pickens now, the Cowboys could secure a long-term solution at the wide receiver position and potentially reap the rewards of his continued development.

Of course, the financial implications of keeping Pickens on the roster cannot be ignored. With the salary cap set to increase in the coming years, the Cowboys may have more flexibility to sign Pickens to a lucrative contract extension. However, with other key players on the roster in need of new deals, the team must carefully manage its cap space to ensure that they can retain their core players while also adding talent through free agency and the draft.

Given these factors, the Cowboys must carefully evaluate their options with Pickens. One possibility is to sign him to a long-term contract extension before the end of the 2025 season. By locking him up early, the team could secure his services for the foreseeable future and potentially save money on his contract in the long run. This would also provide Pickens with security and stability, knowing that he is a valued member of the team for years to come.

Another option is to let Pickens play out his rookie contract and assess his value on the open market. While this approach carries some risk, it could also allow the Cowboys to gauge the market for Pickens and determine his true market value. If he proves to be too expensive for the team to retain, they could explore other options at the wide receiver position and allocate their resources elsewhere.

Ultimately, the decision on Pickens’ future with the Cowboys will come down to a combination of performance, injury history, potential for growth, and financial considerations. By carefully weighing these factors, the team can make an informed decision that will set them up for success in the years to come. Whether they choose to sign Pickens to a long-term extension or let him test the market, the Cowboys must ensure that they are making the best decision for the team and its long-term goals. Only time will tell what the future holds for George Pickens and the Dallas Cowboys, but one thing is certain: the team’s decision will have a lasting impact on the franchise and its fans.

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Source: Sporting News