The Dallas Cowboys spring-time trade for controversial receiver George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers in May has worked out brilliantly.

Hi stock at the time was low to “behavioral baggage,’‘ so they got him for what amounts to a net third-round pick as he instantly became BFFs with CeeDee Lamb. Dallas was desperate for offensive explosiveness, and Pickens has provided that by performing at an All-Pro level.

Oh, and because he’s still on his rookie contract, the whole thing is a bargain as he makes just $3.6 million in 2025.

And there is plenty of credit to go around.

But what about 2026? And what about that cash?

“He is doing more than we could have expected,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said. “We knew full well that if things really went like we wanted them to go, certainly, we need to think about having some room available if we’re going to pay a second receiver at that level.”

The reference to “a second receiver’‘ is about the All-Pro Lamb and his $34 million APY salary. … which takes us to a wild rumor that is circulating irresponsibly on social media.

It’s being written (starting with the foolishness that is now Facebook) that Dallas has already secured (or is close to securing) Pickens on a four-year extension totaling $144 million.

And it’s bogus, of course. A hoax.

I know that because I am told that while Dallas has spent a great deal of in-house time trying to calculate the dollars and sense of making a future deal work, the Cowboys haven’t approached the player or his agent David Mugulheta with any sort of formal offer.

I also know it because I can do math. 144 divided by 4 equals 36.

This rumor would mean Pickens is getting paid $36 million APY – more than Lamb makes.

You don’t need “sources’‘ to understand the ridiculousness of of that.

Pickens has expressed a desire to stay here, even with his laid-back first four words with asked about it.

“I wouldn’t mind it.’‘ he said. “The guys in the locker room are super cool, the energy is great.’‘

But he also has said he doesn’t want to do a deal now, preferring to bet on himself while staying focused on getting the Cowboys back into th

e playoff mix after a 3-3-1 start.

Dallas has what might be the No. 1 total offense in the NFL. Pickens – off to a start featuring his often-spectacular 36 catches for 607 yards and six TDs – is a key spoke in the wheel.

“What’s really special is he’s a real plus to have around the team. He’s a real plus around his teammates. He’s a great plus around those coaches,” Jones said. “He’s doing it as a part of the team concept. That’s very important, and in his particular case, should be noted.”

The Cowboys and the rest of the NFL is indeed noting it. And it figures to result in a massive payday for Pickens.