The price for extending George Pickens just went up
When it comes to paying star players, it never pays to wait. The Cowboys learned that lesson (again) on Monday, when the market for the receiver position moved from $40 million per year to $42. 15 million per year, thanks to the new contract signed by Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
That's particularly relevant to Cowboys receiver George Pickens, whose path to free agency was blocked by the franchise tag. He'll make $27. 298 million without a long-term contract.
And his desire to get a long-term deal will only become stronger, now that two other receivers have made it to the $40 million threshold. The Cowboys and Pickens have until July 15 to get a multi-year deal signed. There has been no indication that any negotiations have begun.
The Cowboys will likely push it to the deadline, while also lamenting Pickens's absence from the offseason program. Regardless, the price will keep going up. The Rams likely will be signing receiver Puka Nacua to a new deal, sooner than later.
He'll quite possibly be the next player to get to $40 million per year. That will make Pickens even more determined to get there. No, delays never help get deals done.