Aug 3, 2026, 11:00 AM CUT

George Pickens ranked among the NFL’s best players under 25

ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 14: Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens 3 celebrates scoring a touchdown during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants on September 14, 2025 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA SEP 14 Giants at Cowboys EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon16925091411500

George Pickens’ success with the Dallas Cowboys has helped turn him into one of the NFL’s brightest young stars. Following a career-best 2025 season, the 25-year-old entered 2026 as one of the league’s top young receiving talents.

Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports ranked Pickens No. 18 in his “Top 25 NFL players age 25 and under” rankings, highlighting Pickens' rising stock after signing with the Cowboys.

“George Pickens had long been considered one of the league's most talented young receivers, but his reputation skyrocketed after the Cowboys acquired him last offseason,” Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports wrote in his article on July 7. “The Cowboys placed the franchise tag on Pickens this offseason, and if he has another season like he did in 2025, he could command top-of-the-market money next offseason.”

ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 23: Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens 3 does an interview after the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles on November 23, 2025 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA NOV 23 Eagles at Cowboys EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon16925112312175

Sullivan believes that Pickens could land among the highest-paid players at his position if he elevates his 2025 production, where he posted career-highs in receptions (93), receiving yards (1,429) and touchdowns (9) in 2025.

In his rankings, Sullivan highlighted Pickens’ rare athletic ability and excellent ball-tracking skills. These traits regularly give defensive backs trouble on contested catches and sideline plays.

Not just CBS Sports, in ESPN analyst Jeremy Fowler's survey of top NFL wide receivers for 2026, Pickens was placed at No.7 after he went unranked last season.

According to Angelo Guinhawa of Gridiron Heroics, Pickens can threaten defenses with his high speed, forcing them to adjust and opening up better chances for his teammates,

Entering the 2026 season under the franchise tag, Pickens has another opportunity to show he belongs among the league’s best young receivers and strengthen his long-term value.

Cowboys WR George Pickens drops major hint about future deal

During the training camp presser, Pickens hinted at the contract value he is seeking, based on the current wide receiver market.

“Definitely something that the other guys are getting cause that’s all I can really look forward to," Pickens said in an interview with CBS Sports on August 1. "I can’t really ask for nothing too crazy, but just what I see. So definitely somewhere where the other guys are getting.”

The New Orleans Saints recently signed wide receiver Chris Olave to a four-year, $124 million contract, with an average annual value of $33 million.

Pickens was expected to pursue a deal similar to Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba's $42.15 million contract before the Cowboys placed him on the $27.3 million franchise tag.

With the receiver market continuing to reset, Pickens believes another standout campaign could put him in line for landing a lucrative contract either from the Cowboys or through free agency.

If Pickens repeats his 2025 production, should the Cowboys make him one of the league's highest-paid wide receivers? Share your opinion.

Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar