Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s massive extension has added fresh intrigue to George Pickens’ future with the Cowboys and how Dallas values its No. 2 star receiver.
The Dallas Cowboys have a new contract question to solve, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s record-setting extension just made it louder.
As discussed by Timm 'IndyCarTim' Hamm on The Dallas Cowboys Daily Blitz Podcast at FanStreamSports.com, George Pickens’ market has become one of the most fascinating storylines of the Cowboys' offseason.
That doesn’t mean Dallas should panic.
The Cowboys already know Pickens is productive. In 2025, he gave the offense the explosive outside threat it badly needed, finishing with 93 catches for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns while earning All-Pro Second Team and Pro Bowl honors.
Those are WR1 numbers on paper, and they’re exactly why this conversation isn’t going away.
But the Cowboys also have to be honest about context.
Smith-Njigba’s new deal reflects more than raw production. It reflects age, consistency, dependability, and a clean reputation on and off the field.
That matters in NFL front offices, especially when contracts start creeping toward the top of the receiver market. Pickens has elite talent, but Dallas still has to decide whether one huge season is enough to justify a massive long-term commitment, and that’s the tension here.
CeeDee Lamb is already on a premium contract, Dak Prescott carries a major cap number, and the Cowboys have never been a team that loves moving early when leverage still exists.
With Pickens currently on the franchise tag, Dallas has a decision to make before the July deadline for a long-term agreement. If no deal gets done, he’d play the season on the tag and revisit everything next offseason.
There’s logic to that route.
If Pickens repeats his 2025 production, shows maturity, and proves he can handle another year as a focal point of the passing game, then his asking price could climb even higher.
But from the Cowboys’ perspective, letting it play out would also reduce some uncertainty. They’d get another full season of evidence before deciding whether to tie major money into a second wide receiver.
There’s risk on both sides.
Pickens could raise his value even more with another All-Pro season. Dallas, meanwhile, could wind up paying more later if he keeps ascending.
But there’s also a real question about whether the Cowboys want to devote top-of-market money to two receivers at once.
For now, the JSN extension doesn’t hand Pickens a blank check. It just sharpens the debate.
And in Dallas, that debate is only getting started.
Join our ROUNDTABLE community for FREE! Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable App to stay even more connected!