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Cowboys Stars Demand Big Contract for George Pickens
CeeDee Lamb and Michael Irvin call for the team to re-sign the wide receiver after his breakout season.
Published on Feb. 6, 2026
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Dallas Cowboys stars CeeDee Lamb and Michael Irvin have publicly called for the team to re-sign wide receiver George Pickens to a lucrative contract. Pickens, who was acquired by the Cowboys in a trade last year, had a career-best season with 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and 9 touchdowns. However, with the Cowboys already committing a large portion of their salary cap to Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott, there are concerns about being able to afford Pickens, who is set to become a free agent.
Why it matters
The Cowboys' ability to retain Pickens is crucial to maintaining their offensive firepower and building on last season's success. Lamb and Irvin's public advocacy highlights the importance of keeping Pickens in Dallas, as he has emerged as a top receiving threat alongside Lamb.
The details
Pickens is set to become a free agent after the Steelers did not exercise his fifth-year option prior to trading him to the Cowboys last year. His breakout season has his market value estimated at over $30 million annually, according to Spotrac. However, the Cowboys are already committing nearly 37% of their salary cap to Lamb and Prescott, leaving little room to maneuver. Lamb and Irvin have both publicly stated that the team needs to "make it happen" and re-sign Pickens to keep their offensive core intact.
- Pickens was acquired by the Cowboys in a trade last year.
- Pickens is set to become a free agent this offseason.
The players
CeeDee Lamb
A star wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys who is advocating for the team to re-sign George Pickens.
Michael Irvin
A legendary former wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys who is also calling for the team to re-sign George Pickens.
George Pickens
A wide receiver who was acquired by the Dallas Cowboys in a trade last year and had a breakout season, making him a priority free agent target.
Dak Prescott
The Dallas Cowboys' starting quarterback, whose large contract is part of the team's salary cap challenges in re-signing Pickens.
What they’re saying
“Let's make that happen.”
— CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver (Fox News Digital)
“[Jerry Jones has] been on the brink with a lot of things, but this year, you have an ability to create a lot of room, a lot of cap. And I think they gotta make a run for it. You got to go and sign George Pickens, and you got to do it early so he can get to training camp and get that second year in. And then, you gotta turn all attention to that defense, and then you'll have a chance.”
— Michael Irvin, Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver (Fox News Digital)
What’s next
The Cowboys will need to determine if they can fit Pickens' expected high salary demands into their tight salary cap situation this offseason.
The takeaway
The Cowboys' ability to retain star wide receiver George Pickens will be a key test of the team's commitment to maintaining their offensive firepower and building on last season's success, as evidenced by the public advocacy from current and former Cowboys stars.
