Jerry Jones, Cowboys Dealt Unfortunate News on Monday

George Pickens began his NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, spending three seasons with the AFC North team, eclipsing 1,000 receiving yards in 2023. Following the 2024 season, the wide receiver was traded to the Cowboys in exchange for a couple of draft picks. And Pickens exceeded expectations in his first year in Dallas, recording team-highs of 93 catches for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl nod.

But following the 2025 NFL season, Pickens saw his four-year, $6,752,179 rookie deal come to an end, becoming a free agent. And while Jones has expressed interest in signing the wideout to a long-term deal, the Cowboys elected to place their franchise tag on Pickens, which will earn him $27,298,000 in 2026.

However, on Monday, it was announced that the Seattle Seahawks made star wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history, signing him to a four-year, $168.6 million contract extension with an average of $42.15 million per year. And with Smith-Njigba’s new deal, Pickens price tag may have gone up, which could force Jones to cough up extra cash to keep his star wideout around following 2026.

"ESPN Sources: Offensive Player of the Year and Super-Bowl champion Jaxon Smith-Njigba reached agreement with the Seattle Seahawks on a four-year, $168.6 million contract extension that now makes him the highest-paid WR in NFL history," ESPN's Adam Schefter wrote on X. "The deal averages $42.15 million per year, and includes over $120 million guaranteed, both setting records for any wide receiver. The deal was confirmed by @WINSportsGroup."

Jones and the Cowboys will continue to explore free agency to make additional roster moves before selecting with the No. 12 and No. 20 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.