What does Chris Olave’s extension mean for George Pickens?
Any time a player signs a big contract for another team, it’s natural to wonder how it might relate to the Cowboys, especially a wide receiver, considering George Pickens is eyeing a new deal at the end of the season and it won’t be long before CeeDee Lamb goes back to the negotiating table, too.
So the Saints just signed Chris Olave to a four-year extension worth $132 million. But the real number that people want to know is the average salary per year and where it ranks among the other receivers. Olave’s deal is paying him just under $33 million per season, making him sixth in the NFL, right behind CeeDee Lamb at $34 million.
You wonder how that might affect Pickens, but then again, considering he’s on the franchise tag and won’t be allowed to get a new contract until the season is over at the earliest, it might not matter at all because Pickens, and every other receiver, will go through this upcoming season and it’s likely the landscape of the WR market will certainly change.
But just comparing Pickens and Olave is interesting enough. The stats are similar, with both of them having an edge in certain categories. Olave (55) has played 10 less games than Pickens’ 65, but still has 24 more catches. And while Pickens has a slight edge in touchdowns at 21-19, he has proven to be more of the big-play threat, with nearly 500 more yards and a 16.0 average per catch, compared to 12.8 for Olave. Either way, another contract into the mix is just another way to analyze what will be an interesting situation all season – and shortly after. – (Nick Eatman)