Ex-NFL GM Believes Cowboys Could Create Problem With George Pickens Extension

The Dallas Cowboys have had contract discussions take center stage throughout the past three offseasons.

In 2024, it was Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. In 2025, it was Micah Parsons. This year, it’s George Pickens who is ready to negotiate a long-term deal. The Cowboys, however, appear content letting him play on the franchise tag this offseason.

Perhaps the reason for this has more to do with preventing potential fallout. Former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum understands this, saying that Pickens is going to want to land a contract similar to the one just signed by Jaxon Smith-Njigba, which would mean he would be making more than CeeDee Lamb.

“This year, there's a big nuance, which is the highest paid receiver is now Jaxon Smith-Njigba at $42 million a year. Based on how George Pickens played last year, I'm hard pressed to think that he'll take a dollar less than being the highest paid receiver. With that said, I'm sure Dallas is going to say, no, no, no, we have CeeDee Lamb. We're going to make you the highest paid number two receiver, approximately $28.7 million. That's what Tee Higgins makes in Cincinnati,” Tannenbaum said.

“Because of that, I could see this going well past Labor Day in terms of when he signs his tender. And the other problem you have, and this is a tough part about being in the front office, as soon as you sign George Pickens to any extension guys above $36 million, CeeDee Lamb’s knocking on your door and say, well, wait a second, I'm at $36 million a year. I need a raise. So you may solve one problem and create another.”

.@RealTannenbaum on the impact of a contract extension for George Pickens 👀

"As soon as you sign George Pickens to any extension, guys, above $36 million dollars, Ceedee Lamb's knocking on your door." pic.twitter.com/iERZlO1xu4
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) April 1, 2026

Would CeeDee Lamb demand a new contract if George Pickens surpasses his salary?

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb runs onto the field prior to the game against the Washington Commanders. | Amber Searls-Imagn Images

Players will never fault one another for securing every dollar possible during their career, and in this situation, Lamb would truly be supportive of Pickens bringing in as much as possible.

The two became friends in a hurry and Pickens has been vocal about Pickens’ value. That said, this is a business and Lamb knows his worth.

Lamb, who is fresh off his fifth consecutive 1,000-yard campaign, is also more proven than Pickens. It makes logical sense that he would do exactly as Tannenbaum predicts should Pickens surpass him in pay.

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