Why George Pickens should make more money than Justin Jefferson on next Cowboys contract

The Dallas Cowboys and George Pickens are in a contract standoff. Pickens played out of his mind in 2025 and understandably wants a new contract as a reward. Instead, the Cowboys gave him the franchise tag and do not sound interested in giving him a huge extension at this point in their relationship.

Pickens arrived at mandatory minicamp and looks like he’ll get with the program ahead of the 2026 season. But that does not mean that contract negotiations will go smoothly.

The Cowboys may be wary of last season being a flash in the pan. Perhaps they want to see Pickens have another strong season before giving him the contract of his dreams.

Either way, Pickens has already proven that he has the upside to become one of the league’s best receivers. And he could soon be paid that way, too.

Pickens may even warrant a contract that is worth more money than Justin Jefferson’s for his next deal.

Is George Pickens worth more than Justin Jefferson?

This is not meant to be a slam on Jefferson, but Pickens is absolutely worth more money.

Let’s not pretend that it is impossible to earn more money than Minnesota’s superstar wide receiver. In fact, three wide receivers already earn more than Jefferson when measured by average annual salary. Those include Jaxon Smith-Njigba ($42.15 million/year), Ja’Marr Chase ($40.25 million/year), and Drake London ($35.26 million/year).

The reality in the NFL is that every star player wants to become the highest-paid at their position when they sign a new contract. That works out well for everyone, as the rising tide lifts all boats eventually. Plus whoever signs a new contract gets to be on top of the world for a brief moment.

That dynamic explains why a handful of receivers have already surpassed Jefferson’s contract over the past few years.

Pickens is set to be the next, especially after his incredible 2025 season. He logged 93 receptions for 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, putting him among the NFL’s best receivers.

The only question for Pickens is whether or not Dallas can actually afford to give him the huge contract he desires.

George Pickens’ advantage at quarterback should earn him more money than Justin Jefferson

One important factor in this equation is how dependent wide receivers are on their quarterbacks and the rest of the team.

Pickens has the good fortune of playing with Dak Prescott, a legitimate franchise quarterback. He also plays alongside superstar wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, which can create favorable coverage matchups for him from time to time.

Meanwhile, the Vikings have quite the chaotic quarterback room. Third-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy is the incumbent and has looked both very good and very bad early in his NFL career. Minnesota is hopeful that he can take a big step forward in 2026, but they aren’t entirely counting on McCarthy to save the day.

Minnesota also brought in Kyler Murray to push McCarthy during training camp. Murray is an established pro and could realistically steal McCarthy’s job. The Vikings also have veteran Carson Wentz and youngster Max Brosmer in reserve.

Ultimately, Jefferson is being a good soldier and is willing to play with whoever is throwing him the ball. But all of the confusion at the position unquestionably hurts Jefferson’s production, and by extension his value.

That does not mean that Jefferson is not a useful player. But he may need to have another special season to earn a contract similar to what Pickens could land.

Pickens is due for a huge payday, whether it comes from the Cowboys or someone else.

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